By Jim Smith, PPL consulting naturalist
Posted on March 4, 2005

This is the third report on the two pairs of nesting bald eagles in PPL Corporation’s Holtwood Environmental Preserve. This report brings good news. The York County nest is now under incubation.

Momma was seen today, March 4, late in the afternoon, lying low, very alert and still, deep in the nest. Both nests are now with eggs! Consequently, photos will not be showing too much for the next 35 to 40 days, since that is the incubation period for the bald eagle. The photo accompanying this report is from two weeks ago, and shows the female bald eagle perched on the top of the nest tower, just after having been "visited" by the male.

Note the slight separation of feathers down the middle of the breast. This indicates that a brood patch is forming. Both male and female, when we are talking about eagles, develop a brood patch, which is a raised portion of the chest and belly due to enlarging capillaries just under the skin. This brings the birds’ 105-degree blood close to the surface so that the incubating eggs will stay warm. When the parent settles down over the eggs, this brood patch comes into direct contact with the eggs, and the side breast feathers fluff down around them, providing ideal insulation even in the coldest of weather.
 
Any activity during our scheduled eagle watches now, for at least the next two, will be limited to possible food delivery or exchange of incubation duties. Nevertheless, it is exciting just to see these majestic birds going through the stages of life.

The first eagle watch for this season is 10 a.m. Saturday, March 19. If you plan on attending, dress warmly, bring binoculars and be prepared to be outside for an hour or more. Meet at the Lock 12 Historic Area, just west of the Norman Wood Bridge on Route 372 on the York County shore of the Susquehanna River.

If you visit on your own, park in the parking lot of the Lock 12 Historic Area. From there, it is a 20-minute walk along McCall’s Ferry Road to the nesting site. You also may park in a small parking lot along the road about 300 feet south of the nesting site. It’s located near the large "river warning" sign. PPL asks all visitors to respect the nest and obey the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s "Do Not Enter" signs.

COMING EVENTS: On Saturday, March 26, a birding program will focus on migrating birds, with perhaps a peek at the eagles in the river valley below the Holtwood Dam. Meet at the Holtwood Environmental Center. We’ll then drive to Face Rock Overlook. Bring binoculars and a birding guide if you have one.