Greetings from Holtwood
As predicted in my last report, on the March 18 Eagle Watch about 25 participants had a chance to see both female eagles on their nests, incubating an unknown number of eggs. However, there wasn’t much activity, such as a "change of shift" with the males, during the watch. As of today, March 25, however, I am happy to report that both Osprey pairs have returned and have begun nest-building.
The amazing photo accompanying this report was taken by a local young lady, Theresa Sampson, who is a photography student at the Cecil County Community College in Maryland. She should get an A+ for this shot! It shows the male eagle from this nest carrying a fully grown gizzard shad, Dorosoma cepedianum. This fish, a member of the herring family, makes up about 80 percent of the diet for these eagles, since it is so abundant in the pools below the dam. Accidentally introduced into the Susquehanna River some time ago and a bottom filter-feeder, the gizzard shad remains year round, as it is the only member of its family that is non-migratory. Fast growing, it can reach a size of 20 inches, and is easily identified by the long, filamentous extension of the last spine of the dorsal fin, which can be readily seen in this fabulous photograph. The eagle is carrying this fish to a sturdy perch in a tree near the nest tower, and will eventually — after starting to dine on it first — carry it to the nest for his mate to eat, while he takes a turn on the eggs.
The next Eagle Watch will be held Saturday, April 8, 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. We just might observe some feeding behavior in one — or even both — of the nests.
Jim Smith, Consulting Naturalist
PPL Holtwood Environmental Preserve
Holtwood, Lancaster County, Pa.