Greetings from Holtwood
This is the first report for 2006 on the nesting of the American Bald Eagles here at the Holtwood Environmental Preserve.
It was about 9:30 a.m. Jan. 27, after about a week of no activity, that nesting activity was observed. Our eagles were seen perched side-by-side, then the male offered a freshly caught fish to his mate on the nest tower. Subsequent "aerodynamics" and a return to the nest followed, with very obvious nest-building activities ensuing. The male was seen delivering a large branch, which the female wove neatly into the nest's edge.
The pair of adults looks great. It seems, unlike your reporter, that they never age! This is the eighth year for this pair to be nesting here, after having produced 17 young since 1999. The accompanying photo shows the female in the nest, awaiting more structural material from her mate. She has been up and down, back and forth, to and fro sculpting this year's "nursery."
Nests to our south, in Maryland and Virginia, have eggs. Here in the lower Susquehanna Valley, we seem to be right on schedule.
Join us to learn more about this distinctly American bird species at an Eagle Watch Saturday, March 18, at 10 a.m. Meet at the Lock 12 Historic Area off Route 372 on the York County side. Bring binoculars and dress for outdoor weather.
Jim Smith, Consulting Naturalist
PPL Holtwood Environmental Preserve
Holtwood, Lancaster County, Pa.