March 02nd, 2020

I guess the caption for today has to be Small is Beautiful.

Numbers were down today - about 35 for the 8:30 session and perhaps a few less for the 10:30.  When I drove past the Upper Canard site just past 8:00 there were only a few eagles so I assume they fed later than usual which took numbers away from our second feeding.

Despite the lower numbers there were two good shows.  The recent pattern continued with an early response to the first feeding with most eagles taking to the ground quickly.  As I only throw out two buckets for the first feeding there tends to be less small chicks, so less that the eagles can easily take on the fly.  The ground display was good if not as spectacular are recent session.

The reduced number of eagles was evident when I arrived for the 10:30 feeding.  As a result I threw out two buckets instead of three.  This was done partly because of the warmer weather that is approaching which means I don't want to overfeed them.

I had a bad feeling about the 10:30 because unlike the sessions for the past week there was no immediate response. I needn't have worried because the action started within five minutes with an extended aerial display which included high level soaring as well as taking food on the wing.  There were also several incidents of "aerial combat" with chicken being taken from other eagles in flight.

The action then went to ground and was extended and aggressive.  It was a good showing despite the reduced numbers.  The folks from D.C. were back and the two gentlemen from Ontario decided at the last minute not to go home.  I understand the addiction!

The forecast is warm and wet but we will persist with 8:30 and 10:30 feedings tomorrow!