Greetings from Holtwood
No eagles were seen in either nest during our first Eagle Watch, which was held Feb. 11. Since then, others have said possible incubation was occurring. Today (2/23), about 3:30 p.m., I made a check. Scoping the Lancaster County nest from the Lock 12 parking lot across the river, I found one adult eagle in the nest, showing only her head, and definitely in the egg laying/incubation position.
The tower nest along McCall’s Ferry Road in York County held one male adult, standing towards one edge of the nest and just looking around, as if his mate was somewhere nearby. If she was beside him in the nest lying down, I probably could not have seen her, since their nest this year is again enlarged and deepened. Tomorrow (2/24) I must climb the Mason-Dixon trail to an observation point that is above the level of the nest, but I sort of doubt that this nest is under incubation as yet.
The Susquehanna River was fairly low, with no water flowing over the main dam. Ring-billed and Herring Gulls were on the rocks below the dam. Black Vultures were roosting on the dam itself and all over the towers beside the tail race. A nice surprise was a handsome adult Peregrine Falcon perched on the tower on Piney Island where the Osprey always build their nest. I was able to follow it in the scope as it flew from one tower to the next. No wonder I didn't see the usual Rock Pigeons around the dam!
On my return trip home, an immense flock of Icterids flew over Drytown Road. For the past few days thousands have been flocking in the fields along this road. I found it interesting that one field held a majority of Redwings and a minority of Cowbirds. The next field down was just the reverse. I could not stop to scope the flock, but there must have been some Rusties in that vast number – maybe even a Yellow-headed. About a total of one acre of field space was solid black.
The next Eagle Watch will be held 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.