January 9, 2020

Hi all

I see that my update to the January 8th blog did not post, which explains why you didn't know what times I would feed today.

So let me start with the update of yesterday's blog.  I returned to the site at about 10:30 and noticed that visibility was poor but improving and that there were 4 or 5 eagles I could spot in the trees.  I decided to go on my chicken run and then return with some food.  At about 11:20 I took down a bucket of medium sized chickens and cast them out in a semi circle about fifty feet from the southern end of the field. 

Much to my surprise 20 - 25 eagles appeared within a couple of minutes and a very orderly and non-combative feeding took place.  Fortunately there just about a piece of chicken for each eagle.  Most of the food was taken on the wing though two eagles ate on the ground.

I went back again after 2:00 pm with four large chickens.  By this time there were only two mature eagles around.  When I checked back at 4:00 pm the only eagle there was immature and standing where I had thrown the second feeding of chicken,which had all been consumed. 

Now on to today.  The first feeding was at 8:30.  It was minus 6 and the moderate westerly wind gusted to strong and made it feel very cold.  I did not wait to see the action as I had press releases to prepare for the Eagle Watch event and wanted to check up on two barns which went to market the day before.  I was told that there were about 60 eagles and they did not take long to come down.

The second feeding was at 10:30 and 60+ birds were present.  The first food was taken on the wing while I was still throwing out chicken.  It happened about 20 yards from me.  The rest followed as I left the feeding ground.

Given the cold weather and the relatively little food put out the day before I decided to go fo a third feeding.  This took place at about 12:20.  Forty eagles remained and the food was taken up within 5 minutes of me leaving the field.  Most action was on the ground.

With warmer weather and rain forecast tomorrow I will revert to two feedings at 8:30 and 10:30.