It has been a real nail biter of a week at this nest as Romeo and Juliet have been dealing with an intruder. Loza, thank you for the pics and videos. Juliet still appears on edge and I wonder if the intruder is still in the area.
This all started the evening of 12/11, when Juliet became scarce. She returned at 2 AM, when Romeo, who was incubating, called for her. Juliet incubated the morning of 12/12, but became scarce again most of the day. Romeo incubated in her absence. She returned to the nest tree that afternoon, all puffed up with no visible injuries. The eggs were left unattended for 2 hrs. By nightfall, a subadult eagle appeared in the nest tree. Romeo incubated that night and Juliet perched in the nest tree. At that point, Juliet had visible beak injuries. At 10 PM, the subadult was chased off by Romeo. On 12/13 at 2:30 PM, an adult bald eagle perched in the nest tree while Romeo was incubating. The eagle had no visible injuries and flew off in haste. It is believed that this is the same eagle that was seen at the nest in Oct. A 1/2 hr later, an adult bald eagle landed in the nest and Romeo got off the eggs to confront the eagle, pushing it over the nest edge. Romeo then resumed incubation. I don't know who incubated that night or the events of the next day. On the evening of 12/14, there was very heavy rain and Juliet incubated through the storm. Romeo took over in the middle of the night while Juliet perched nest side. Today, Juliet was scarce again and Romeo incubated all day. At 11 AM, Juliet checked on the eggs, but looked nervous and took off. She returned again at 2 PM and Romeo took off with her. Mating was heard off cam as they reaffirmed their bond to each other. The eggs were left unattended today for 1 1/2 hrs. This evening, Romeo is incubating while Juliet is perched sleeping in the nest tree with a very large crop. I understand that during the day, the grounds crew saw Juliet perched at the top of a dead tree, from which she could view the nest and her territory. She is clearly putting up a front and not hiding from anyone. It is presumed that the intruder was a female.
This nest has always been peaceful, but with an increasing eagle population searching for territories, we are unfortunately going to see more of these skirmishes. I am praying that peace once again returns to the Hamlet. I hope Romeo & Juliet and their family to be, remain safe. Pip watch is in 4 days, beginning 12/19.
Here are some pics of Juliet's beak injury from this morning. It is considered minor and should heal. I also saw some scratches on her talons. Last nights heavy rain washed away the bloody stains from her feathers and beak. She looked much better today. Romeo has really been Juliet's right wing through this ordeal. He has been on egg duty almost constantly while Juliet's been distracted protecting her territory. Such a team effort. He is a terrific Dad and mate.
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