December 28, 2019

A warmer morning - plus 3 when I fed them at 9:00.  The was a slight breeze and conditions were overcast.  For the first time this year I had some larger chickens which will force the eagles to the ground to feed.  While I was there they continued mostly an aerial display although a couple of birds were on the ground before I left to pursue more chicken.

The count today was 45 eagles with a good mix of adult and immature birds. We had nine spectators/photographers. Apart from crows and ravens no other species were spotted.  There are reports of red tailed hawks in the area.

Having spoken to a couple of my farmer contacts I can report that mortality rates in the chicken barns appear to be down this year, which may partly explain the fact that I have fewer chickens even though I have more barns on which to draw.  The other factor is the growing cycle.  There is a two week period when the barns are empty and I have at least two empty barns at present.

As a result I will be feeding only once tomorrow at 9:00 am.