The Eagles Are Coming

I've been watching the pair of eagles at Big Bear in California lay their eggs. And now two have hatched!

You can join the 75K others who are watching here, if you'd like.

Last year I watched them diligently, checking in several times a day. And then the eggs did not hatch. That was sad. The birds kept trying to incubate for well past the 35+ day period for a eagle egg to hatch. The female eagle, Jackie, gave up first. Her mate, Shadow, hung out a little longer trying to get the eggs to hatch.

When the eggs finally broke open, it was obvious the eggs had not been fertilized and there were no chicks to hatch.

This year, I only checked in once a day or so, though I read all the updates on Facebook. It is better reading than politics; I can tell you that!

Now the eggs have hatched and there are two little fuzzy fluff balls in the nest, currently under the male eagle's brood patch as I type this. That's skin that develops during the incubation period. Both eagles have it and share egg sitting duty, although the female eagle does the lion's share, including during nights and bad weather.

Fortunately, the weather has not been too awful for them this year. Last year there was a bad snowstorm and Jackie sat on the eggs for a solid 62 hours. I felt so bad for her, sitting there hunkered down against the wind and blinding snow.

I will enjoy watching these little eaglets grow up, as I have never seen this, and this is amazing opportunity to watch nature in action. I hope the third egg hatches, too.

Birds

I am not sure what the bird in the first two photos is. I thought at first it was a red-bellied woodpecker, but my bird book doesn't show all those spots and the black on the chest. Maybe it's a fledgling?

The other is a cowbird at the feeder. I think that's a tufted titmouse in the back but not sure. I'm not the best bird identifier.

For the Birds

The winds last night howled so that I thought the end of the house was going to rip off the foundation. I do not recall such winds in my youth. Now it seems that every time we get a front through, the winds are right behind.

***

I have been watching the eagles at Big Bear in California attempt to raise a clutch. The eggs were not viable and did not hatch. They should have hatched around the first of March. Now it is mid-April, and last night was the first night one of the eagle pair did not sit on the nest. One of the eggs broke yesterday morning, and that seemed to be the end of it. Jackie, as they call the female, had given up on the eggs about five days ago, but Shadow, as they call the male, was determined to continue attempting to raise chicks. He began sleeping on the nest at night. But last night he roosted in a nearby tree with Jackie. When I check the live feed now, I see two small eggs, half buried in nesting material, and a backdrop of a beautiful lake and mountains. It's a lovely view to look at, but the eagles made it interesting. They are quite personable, and each has its own way of doing things. They both like sticks, however, and generally returned to the nest each time with a stick to add to the pile. I don't know if they will continue to add sticks and work on the nest over the summer. From what the moderators of the live feed say, the female is only able to lay eggs from January through March. I will check in occasionally to see what's going on.

***

We have another bag of feed for the birds, one we bought some months ago. We usually stop feeding them about now, but last year we attempted to carry over a bag of feed and it molded. So once the wind stops blowing, we need to fill the feeder again so we can rid ourselves of this bag of food. Once it is gone, the birds will have to wait until late September or early October for more goodies. The bird feed is too expensive to waste.

***

And let's end this weird little post on a lovely note:

Where Are the Eagles?

In The Lord of the Rings, one of the biggest plot contrivances that some folks get confused about is the introduction of the Eagles.

We'll use the movies as examples here, because I don't have the books right in front of me. But in the movie, first we see an Eagle when Gandalf, trapped high in the sky in Saruman's white tower, sends a moth to call for one. A lone Eagle soars by and Gandalf takes a leap from a great height and lands on the Eagle's back to fly safely away from his captor.

The Eagles do not appear again until the end, when in the third film, as the Men of the West are fighting off orcs and Sauron seems to be winning, Pippin stops amidst the fighting and cries, "The Eagles! The Eagles are coming!"

And the Eagles come and fight off the dark riders, and later, when Frodo (well, actually Gollum) has destroyed the One Ring and ended Sauron for good, the Eagles carry Gandalf to the top of Mt. Doom to rescue Frodo and Sam from the volcanic mountain.

The big question many folks ask is, why didn't the Eagles carry Frodo to Mt. Doom in the first place, instead of having him wander all over Middle Earth to try to take the One Ring to Mt. Doom?

It's a good question, and it is a bit of a plot hole. There are many answers, but answer I like best is that the Eagles are another race, sentient beings like humans, and have agency. They therefore cannot be subjugated into doing the will of others. Although it does seem like performing a task that would stop evil would be a good thing.

Many of the non-human characters in The Lord of the Rings have agency: the Ents, who are tree shepherds, orcs, who are used and abused, goblins, who are wild things, for the most part, and wizards, who look like men but are not men. And we must not forget the elves, who also look human but are not, or the dwarves, who look human too, only shorter, as well as the hobbits, who look like humans but are shorter still.

In many interviews I've read about Tolkien, who wrote The Lord of the Rings books, he claims that the books are not about war. However, the author served in World War I and his sons in World War II.

I think The Lord of the Rings is about war.

Lately, I've been watching the eagles in California as they attempt to hatch a trio of eggs. The time for viability for the eggs has long passed, but the eagles continue to try to hatch eggs that aren't going to hatch. It has been an interesting couple of months watching these birds as they built their nest and laid the eggs. Now it's sad to look in on them, sitting diligently on eggs that, at least according to scientists, are simply rotting and not hatching. It reminds me of all the time I spent trying to have a child even though it was a fruitless exercise.

I have had eagles on my mind.

However, another question keeps running through my mind, and getting all confused with The Lord of the Rings, the eagles on the nest, and this country. The question is this: where are the Eagles? Not the eagles on the nest. Not the Eagles of Tolkien's world, not exactly.

I think Tolkien was using the Eagles as a metaphor for the U.S., who was late entering both World Wars. We entered World War I three years after it started, and World War II began in 1939 and we didn't enter it until the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. How many lives were lost, how much devastation was rendered, because the United States didn't step up when we should have?

The Eagles were late and came in near the end. They were, however, crucial to winning the wars, World War I, World War II - and the war in The Lord of the Rings.

So that question keeps crossing my mind these days: where are the Eagles? Not the Eagles of The Lord of the Rings, but the Eagles who are true patriots, the ones who will see through the conspiracy theories and the crackpot craziness and stand up and set the United States back upon a better path. Because technically, the US is now at war with itself. We are close to taking that old Constitution and ripping it to shreds, no matter who wins, although one side is more distasteful to me than the other.

Right now, I see no Eagles, not on the right, and not on the left. I caught a glimpse of a lone Eagle in Liz Cheney, which is something I never thought I 'd ever say, but if we have an Eagle guiding us, at the moment that's who it is (and I'm not sure of that). If she is like the lone Eagle swooping in to save Gandalf, where and when will the other Eagles come from? Who will rise up to make this nation over and bring back our better angels? It won't be the Republicans, who are bent on turning back the clock, taking away rights, and creating an American version of Hungary. 

The Democrats are no angels. I'm not sure they are Eagles, either, having turned away from the philosophies of Franklin Roosevelt as they have in the last 40 or so years. Roosevelt had his flaws, as all men do, but he did seem to have the welfare of this nation, and of the world, on his heart when he made decisions. (Truman decided to drop the atomic bombs on Japan, not Roosevelt. We don't know what Roosevelt would have done with those bombs, although he didn't stop their construction.)

We aren't in a novel at the moment. This is real life. But we have lots of fighting going on all over the world, and we have lots of in-fighting going on in this nation. We have climate change creating monumental catastrophes. However, we have no wise wizards at our sides, no guidance that comes from anything beyond the beaks of those who crave great power, even if that power is only to be the loudest mouth in a thread on a Facebook page. Given the wealthy crows who own the social media companies, what else should we expect?

So, I ask again, where are the Eagles? Where are those who would stand up against the powerful, and be the beacons that we need to lead us to a stronger, brighter, fairer and better world?

Watching the Eagles

The media has picked up on something I've been watching for a while now - a live feed trained on an eagle's nest in California.

You can see the live feed here.

If you're on Facebook, I suggest following their page, which is here. The volunteers who run this nonprofit do really great write-ups on what the eagle pair are doing while they are working to hatch a trio of eggs.

They have named the eagles Jackie and Shadow. Jackie, the female, is the larger of the two. It is hard to tell them apart at first, but it gets easier the more one watches.

It is amazing to watch these two birds interact with one another. When Jackie calls out for a little relief from sitting on the eggs, she lets out a little screech, and in just a moment Shadow is there. She gets up and Shadow rolls the eggs and settles in. Not every bird pair has both male and female set on the nest, but eagles do.

I did not know this until I started with this feed.

If you want to learn a little more about nature and wildlife, this is a great place to start. Very interesting and entertaining.

Birds Again

 

Hundreds of Birds

For the last several days, we've been inundated with birds. They appear to be starlings and grackles.

Yesterday, they pooped all over the house. My husband went outside and thought someone had thrown mud all over the garage door and his truck. I looked and immediately pronounced it to be bird doodoo.

He washed off what he could, but the house will need a good pressure wash when the weather warms.

Earlier, I stepped outside to get a breath of fresh air because it's 62 degrees out, which is quite warm for this time of year.

I was greeted with the mighty tweet of hundreds of birds in the trees about 75 yards away from the house.

I really like this shot.

 

Here's a little 20-second video clip of the birds chattering away.

Where Have All the Cardinals Gone?

 

We were a bit late in putting out a bird feeder for winter. We've seen chickadees, tufted titmouses, and blue jays, but no cardinals.

I miss the lovely red birds and I don't know where they went. They are not a migratory bird. It makes me wonder if there wasn't enough food around here this summer because of our drought. Or if we have the wrong food in the bird feeder. They like sunflower seeds the best (allegedly), and there is some of that in the mix.

Honestly, I haven't seen a cardinal in months. Of course, things like seeing birds are something one takes for granted, until suddenly they're not around. So maybe it hasn't been as long as I think.

Maybe it's been longer.

Today we have severe winds, 40 mph winds, that are knocking me offline every now and then. 

The high winds are swinging the bird feeder all around, and I just watched a blue jay take a wild ride while trying to eat during what it thought must've been a lull in the breeze.

Most likely the feeder will need a refill by the time the winds blow themselves out, as the seed will be more on the ground.

Maybe the cardinals will find their way back. I hope so.

Red Tailed Hawk

It was very foggy when I took this picture.

 

Fly Away

Yesterday as I was talking on the phone with a friend, I heard a "bam" against the front door.

I looked out and saw a bird fluttering on the porch. It looked dazed and confused.

The air was full of tree swallows, and they swirled around the hurt little bird, flying quickly in circles over it, so many that I could not count them. They flew fast and furiously, and my presence at the window did not deter them.

It was a magical site to see these beautiful blueish birds flying as if caught in a little tornado, round and round, over the head of the injured one.

I watched to see if the bird on the ground was simply dazed or hurt. It began fluttering and moving about, finally tumbling the inch from the porch onto the grass. I hung up the phone, and when I turned back, the birds were no longer flying around.

When I stepped outside to check, the one that banged into the door was gone. It had flown off to join the others.

It was pretty cool to see. It happened to fast I didn't get video or anything, but it really was a great moment with nature.

My Brother's Peacock

My brother has two male peacocks. He did have a little flock, but the others "up and left," according to my brother. I suppose they were killed or something in the woods as this is not a native area for them. At any rate, there are no peahens for the guys. Despite the lack of females, during mating season, they still strut and do their stuff.

They also attempt to make out with anything that moves, like squirrels, blowing trees, the dog, etc., from what my brother has told me.

One of the peacocks (whom my brother calls Kevin) came to see us while we sat on the deck while we were visiting my brother for his birthday the other week. I could not get a photo of the bird from the front when he was all fanned out. I ended up with these. I really like the first picture, it's like some kind of weird dance.

I took these with my iPhone 5SE, which is ancient but still serviceable.

The India Blue peacock, scientifically known as Pavo cristatus, has resplendent plumage and a majestic demeanor.

Renowned for their extravagant tails, India Blue peacocks possess a remarkable display of iridescent blue and green feathers. The male, or peacock, proudly flaunts his elaborate train, which can extend up to five feet in length. Each feather is adorned with eye-shaped patterns, known as ocelli, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. During mating rituals, the peacock fans out his tail and dances gracefully, attracting the attention of peahens, who evaluate the potential mate based on the quality of his display.

These magnificent birds are native to the Indian subcontinent, where they are deeply ingrained in the country's culture and mythology. In Indian folklore, the peacock symbolizes immortality, grace, and protection, often associated with gods and goddesses. Their presence in ancient Indian art and architecture further exemplifies their significance in the cultural heritage of the region.

Moreover, India Blue peacocks exhibit remarkable sexual dimorphism. While the males showcase their extravagant plumage, the females, known as peahens, possess more subdued feathers with shades of brown and gray. This striking contrast highlights the natural diversity within the species and emphasizes the evolutionary importance of attraction and courtship.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, India Blue peacocks contribute to the ecosystem by controlling pest populations. Their diet consists of insects, small reptiles, and vegetation, making them valuable allies in maintaining ecological balance.*

*ChatGPT assisted with the latter portion of this blog post.

Cardinals

 

Thursday Thirteen - My Brother's Birds

For Christmas, I gave my brother a bird feeder that takes pictures of birds and sends them to his phone. He's shared some of them with me. He gave me permission to post them.

Cardinal

 

Dazed and Confused

This female cardinal found herself somewhat trapped on the front porch the other night, and she bashed herself into the front door a couple of times and flew madly about the top of the porch, apparently unable to figure out she needed to go low to go high.

After a last head-bashing into the door, she found the grass. She sat there breathing very hard for quite a long time.

Finally, she flew towards the brushy thicket we have in the front yard, and a mockingbird attacked her.

I have no idea what happened after that. I didn't see feathers flying so I assume she was ok.

Poor bird. Just trying to go out for a fly, or to bring home a grub, and bam! Life hit her smack in the head.

Lady Cardinal

Society tends to ignore females in favor of males (still). We do this in the natural world, too. The flashier male birds, the bucks with antlers, the lion with his gorgeous mane - these get the attention and the eye of the photographer.

But the females of the species have beauty and worth, too. So here is a female cardinal.

Northern Flicker

Here's a bird I've not photographed before. We have a small flock of them in the backyard in early morning at the moment. 

This is (I think) a northern flicker. It's a type of woodpecker. Apparently, it also eats grubs and things from the ground.

Bird on a Wire

 

Signs of Spring?

My grandmother always said when the robins appear, spring is not far behind. Now I wonder what the groundhog will say on the morrow?

When I stepped outside to take these shots, the trees were wild with bird chatter. They were chirping like there may be no tomorrow. I stood and soaked it in, listening to the sounds of nature doing her thing. The birds were heralding a new day, a new season.

Today is also known as imbolc in the pagan tradition. It is celebrated on February 1 through sundown of February 2.

The day is symbolic of the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It comes to us from the Celtic traditions in Ireland and Scotland.

The day dates back to pre-Christian era in the British Isles (which means, of course, it wasn't always called February 1, it was whatever calendar they used then). 

Imbolc celebrations took the form of a festival in honor of the pagan goddess Brigid, who was evoked in fertility rites and oversaw poetry, crafts and prophecy. Brigid was worshipped by the Filid, a class of poets and historians among the Celts of ancient Ireland and Britain.

As with most pagan rites, this celebration was absorbed by the Catholic Church. St. Bridget took the place of the pagan goddess.

For more information about imbolc, check out the information on history.com here.

Hawk