Tracey Reynolds Pinette - Harriet & M15 Eagle Lover's Group
12 t ·
Our E15 has made an appearance at the nest, yet another unexpected twist to the end of Season 8 and the beginning of Season 9, usually starting October 1st. How exciting! With E15's return comes even more questions. This may be a lengthy post as I try to address all of your questions and thoughts.
Let's start with the concerns that E15 has mental and/or physical challenges. E15 is NOT a "Special Needs" eagle and did not return for that reason. In this situation that is a human application and a conscientious effort is needed not to anthropomorphize the eagles behavior. Don't misunderstand me, I am aware there are Special Needs animals out there unable to function without human intervention or without their natural parent's help, but this is not the case. E15 has all the skills required to survive out on his/her own, we have been witness to this. There was a possible foot sprain on a landing early in fledge, that is pretty common with all fledglings learning how to land and fly. E15 missed some landings, again new fledglings are awkward and by no means proficient fliers or always have a perfect landing. There is no lasting impairment and there is nothing wrong physically or mentally with E15 and never has been.
Season 8 has been like no other for this nest to say the least, and the second clutch altered what we knew to be the normal with Harriet and M15. How will E15's presence affect Harriet and M15 having started courting, nesting, and restorations for Season 9? There is no answer for that, each eagle nest across the country is as unique as the eagles themselves, no two are the same. What will work for this nest, may not work at another. We need to wait for the eagles to show us how they will navigate their situation, and it's hard not to speculate on what we think, want, or believe will happen. No one knows what will take place and that's part of the excitement and learning about our eagles. Harriet and M15 have every chance of laying eggs and proceeding on with Season 9 as business as usual, if they decide that it is right for them. They are the eagle experts!
M15 has already provided E15 with food since returning after 7 days out of our sight, and the parent's will continue to do so. The eagles are hardwired to ensure the survival of their offspring, they have never "not fed" their young and are not capable of starving E15 out of the territory with "tough love" which is also a human concept. We are dealing with eagles and they be will handling this the eagle way. E15's constant squeeing for food does not mean this young eagle is "Not Well" mentally. From reported observations on juveniles at this age, vocalizing and talking about food is typical, it's an innate drive to seek sustenance and they communicate that with each other. Is this all too much for our eagles to handle right now coming from a long and busy Season 8? What seems to be exhausting or impossible for us to handle, our eagles take in stride, they are not human and this is where there is another tendency to again anthropomorphize the eagles. Dealing with weather and predators, nest building and laying eggs, feeding babies and juveniles is what they do easily and naturally. They are eagles, please have faith in them, they know what they are doing.
A number of scenarios can happen have been reported with other bald eagle nests. E15 can go back and forth with leaving several times before finally leaving for good. It could happen that M15 and Harriet may allow E15 to stay in the territory even if there are eggs or hatchlings in the nest, but not allowed to approach the nest. Aubuchon Eagle Watch had an unusual occurrence a couple of seasons ago with a second clutch late in season and the juvenile wintered-over, (stayed over) into the following season and actually was a helper to that nest with the eaglets. Awesome right? It's called "Alloparenting" and the nest becomes a "Trio Nest", which research is finding is more common than originally thought, particularly up north. Can there be a coloration between second clutches and a juvenile wanting to stay? That's food for thought. There is a link at the bottom with more information on Alloparenting. There is also a chance that E15 will be escorted out of the territory if M15 and Harriet see fit. It's never happened before at this nest, but neither has a second clutch or a stay at home, now returning juvenile. This is a year of firsts! If this occurs, remember that it's an act of nature, no more no less. E15 will not harbor resentment or have hurt feelings if told to leave, and Harriet's and M15's actions are not carried out with malice, it's simply how nature works.
Relax, don't worry or anticipate a problem, be kind, and grab the popcorn! Watch and appreciate with a grateful heart that we get a front row seat into the incredible lives of Harriet and M15.
http://www.elfruler.com/?page_id=906&fb ... OCvQ8jJikM
: Sharon Dunne
: Desiree Deliz Photography
: Sharon Dunne
: Desiree Deliz Photography