This thread is intended for reports and pictures/videos of the surrounding area of the nest. We welcome posts relating to neighboring eagle nests, wildlife in the area, and other information which depicts the environment where the Sidney Eagles nest. We encourage members who visit the Sidney nest and others on a trip to post their comments and pictures of their trips here. Learning more about the Sidney area and the many eagles that inhabit the area will be fascinating and add to the educational value. We could have a running report of the year here and thereby increase the value.

Went to visit the Sidney nest this afternoon. There was no eagle around when we arrived. I was watching the nest tree and their second home, hopefully one of them will show up, not to be. Then I turned around, and there s/he is, perching on the beach tree, facing the water. Well, s/he sneaked in without even making a sound. After all these time, I still can't tell whether it's Mom or Dad . I thought it's Mom, but since it flew away after just about 5 minutes, according to Frank, it's more likely it's dad, as Dad is more skittish.

Then we drove around a little bit, got a better look of the second nest. It doesn't seem to be any much bigger since our last visit. So, for the time being there is no way to tell whether they are continuing what they left off 2 months ago.

On our way back, towards the south end, we saw another (or maybe it's the same one) eagle sitting on a beach tree. This one is very cooperative, letting Frank take a few pictures. She didn't take off until some passers-by standing right underneath her perch tree. So I'll say this one is Mom, as she is quite comfortable with us around.

All and all, it's a nice outing. Nice sunny afternoon and most of all, we got to see our eagle(s). No sighting of any juvi though . For some reason, there seems to be more eagles around this year, or it's just me paying more attention. Today we saw 3 other eagles which are not within the vicinity of our Sidney nest.

I wish Mom and Dad would have made their appearance at the same time, then we could solve the mystery once and for all........are both of them back?

Edit to add: I hope this is the right place to post this.

Thanks for the update, Annette.

Enjoyed your report very much, Annette. If you had been there just before 11:30 a.m., you would have seen one of them (Dad) bring a very long, curved fir branch to the nest. Bet that was him you saw, having a rest after all that work.

Yes, it is the right thread. Thankyou.

Annette that's fantastic that you saw eagles today ! We're certain over at the observation thread that we've seen both mom and dad this past week so you quite likely did see both. Mom seems "bigger boned" and more ruffled around the neck --- dad is much sleeker with a thinner neck.
Skipper and Sharon Feeney did screen caps and vids today at the Visual Log

I think what Annette is saying is that when you see an eagle perched a ways off in a tree, it is almost impossible to say if it is a male or female. If there is a pair of eagles, it is easier to tell when they are both there because the female is bigger than the male.

Annette didn't get a webcam view and even that can be confusing, too.

You are right on, Blue. I don't know how many times I changed my mind after Frank and I exchange notes.

I also think that was Dad in the nest today. Much sleeker and smaller head and neck.

I agree Blue Heaven, that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish if it is Mom or Dad when they are sitting high up in a perch tree. I always have my binoculars with me but it is still a guess sometimes

I'm going to try to get out to the nest site and the beach tomorrow and will report on what I see.

Kay

Annette, thank you so much for your report. I hope that Frank will share his "few pictures." It is terrific to have on-the scene reporting!

I took these shots of Mum and Dad in July. They were kind enough to pose for me , perching on the same tree. You can sort of see Dad (perched higher) is a bit smaller than Mum.



click bigger

They are just too far & high up in the tree.

See my MG 07-08, you know where to find me...

To avoid 'future' broken link, I am not posting links here.

Thank you, Frank. Mum (or Dad) looks magnificent!

Beautiful photos, Frank. Thankyou.

Frank those pictures are absolutely beautiful. Have you thought about selling them ? I'd buy one to go along with your print I have from last season.

Thanks JKR, I believe that was Mom with those sassy head feathers. She was absolutely breath taking, with all gleaming white head & tail, and deep brown body feathers, smooth as silk. You have to see it in person to really appreciate the beauty in them.

The HWC protocol do not allow commercial activities, and I am not selling any pictures here.

Most likely I'll donate some photos for fund raising. God willing, and with the co-operation of the eagles, I am hopeful next year (2009), I'll have 13 images for another calendar. I think that will give the best value for those who want to donate money, and getting 13 photographs in return.

If there is enough interest, I may sell some prints (not limited edition, lower cost) with all the 'profits' going to HWF.

Frank: Thank you so much for posting those beautiful photos. I have missed seeing your fantastic photographic works this past season. I have one of your limited edition prints of Mom framed and hanging on the wall above my computer. I am also going to order a calendar for 2008 with your gorgeous photos. I would definitely purchase a print of Dad if you make some available to purchase for fund raising purposes.

Kay

I agree 100% with KSteer. A photo of Dad to go along with the one I have of Mom would be wonderful as a fund raising project for HH. I have her framed in our office between Hubby's and my computers.

beth

Caan anyone help me find Franks pictures. I do not know where to Find Him

Try here!!
Frank L

Thank-you Janner. Those shots are amazing. They should go into the Hancock Fundraising...That video compiled by Beans and Frank was just absolutely inspiring. WOW

Harry, Ian and elle visited the Saanich nest on Saturday.
Harry has graciously allowed me to post his picture of the red-tailed hawk which was sitting in a tree near the Epicure entrance.

Lovely photo - thanks, Harry and Judy.

Wow--that's beautiful, Harry!! I love the composition and the bird ain't half bad either

j/k - do you have more More - Skipper wants more

Skipper : There's more at the Oak Bay eagle thread : OAK BAY

Hoping he'll send more Sidney pics soon.

More great pictures being shared by Harry.
These were also taken Saturday Oct. 27th.

Looks an awful lot like Dad.