Tag: nest

Mother’s Day – Continued

Lucy Feeds One of her Chicks on Marine Drive, Sequim

I’m stretching out Mother’s Day a bit since one never knows when they’ll be fortunate enough to grab a photo of our local bald eagles and their latest offspring.

And you may not be aware that the couple is lovingly known as Ricky and Lucy, after Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, from the TV sitcom, I Love Lucy and that these two have been reproducing for at least 10 years, and some estimate 20. But each year they attract more attention than lavender, at least in May.

And until the chicks fledge in June, a group of local photographers, neighbors, passersby and even some out-of-towners stop by daily to compare photos, sightings, and stories about years gone by; when two chicks fell out of the nest, how they survived, etc., all while keeping an “eagle” eye out for any emerging fuzzy heads. And luckily, for us, one popped up today.

So if nest watching intrigues you as well, consider this an invitation to join us! Bring your coffee, binoculars, and/or camera, or phone, and either pull up a bench, or bring your lawnchair. The show runs non-stop, daily!

And…know that one of the concrete benches across from the nest is dedicated to Susie Killins. Susie was a dear friend and fellow eagle photographer who sold her photos and jewelry at Sequim Saturday Markets, but who sadly passed away in August 2023. Susie is truly missed by many and probably the eagles as well.

Happy Mother’s Day!

An Osprey Attends to her Young After Fishing for Food

In Sequim we have many raptors to photograph but rarely do we see osprey, and that’s what makes seeing them elsewhere quite special, at least for me.

So while I found this nest along the Riverwalk in Sanford, Florida, another lovely city, I was practically tripping over myself to get a few shots and fortunately, this avian mama was happy to oblige.

Not only did she lovingly attend to her young, and to the nest, but she swept down to grab a passing fish before I could say, “hold that pose”. And although she came up empty this time, her tenacity was incredible, along her commitment to her family.

And I’m sure the same is with all mother’s – although not always equipped with the resources, the commitment is ever present, and should be recognized. So Happy Mother’s Day mamas, and may you spend the day being celebrated and may you too be happy to pose!

Fish and Chicks

A Snowy Egret Delivering a Mouthful of Fish to her Hatchlings

Down South, if you order fish and chips, you may be surprised to wind up with hushpuppies, or grits. But apparently these baby egrets knew they wouldn’t need any sides when mama delivered this “mother-load” of fish for them.

And you should have heard the noise when she approached! We could relate after ordering Alligator Tail (no kidding) at a local restaurant though. As we yelled for more we heard nothing but applause from the locals who when told we lived in a place called “Sequim” knew we could handle just about anything!

Another Pavarotti?

An Eaglet Exercising its Vocal Chords

Shrieking at the top of his lungs, this youngster not only commanded the attention of his nest mate, but that of surrounding birds – and humans.

In this neck of the woods, his shriek is pretty much unmistakable, and certainly not comparable to Pavarotti, but that profile certainly reminded me of the grand master, and I found the look on the face of his sibling to be as equally entertaining.

These two were nest mates on Marine Drive a few years ago and with any luck and given enough food, they stayed in our area to build their own nests and to raise their own families.

But as far as brotherhood is concerned, eaglets, unlike humans, pretty much leave their attachments to siblings far behind and focus on survival – and maybe due to all the noise…

More Nest Watching

With the onset of spring, eagle and heron nests in Sequim are the most noticeable to find, as long as you know where to look. But searching for hummingbird nests is another story…you can search forever it seems and completely overlook them although they’re right before your eyes. Therefore, it can be rather discouraging.

But that’s when likeminded friends become your greatest allies. And that’s why I was so thrilled and appreciative when a newfound friend approached me and asked if I’d be interested in photographing a nest she found in her tree.

It didn’t take long before I showed up in her driveway with my collection of lenses. And to my surprise, the nest was in close enough range to allow for an intimate portrait of these two siblings, who I can only hope will survive, thrive, and call Sequim their home for many years to come, just like many of us.

Nest Watching

I love Sequim sunsets, especially when they’re silhouetted by an eagle’s nest as this one was.

Located on Towne Road, it’s set back a substantial distance, which makes it tough to get a good photo, even with a long lens. But therein lies the challenge not only for me, but for many other Sequim photographers.

From previous observation, our eagles begin mating in January, and since this nest was occupied last year, I’m suspecting that it will be again this year. So I’ve been watching daily for any nest building activity by the parents which in itself is entertaining, and if there’s a sunset to go with it, that’s even better.