An Eagle Visits the Nest

Just as Day 28 comes along and we’re all on Pip Watch, wouldn’t you know a bald eagle has to crash the party. The first indication was an alarm call by Dad and a quick retreat from the nest and into the water. Video clip here.

Eagles frequently go after chicks in the water and we have one New Hampshire record of an eagle attacking and killing an adult loon on the nest, but egg thievery must be a rare occurance, if it happens at all. This eagle landed on the nest twice but didn’t take the egg. It’s hard to believe that a bird capable of grabbing a live fish out of the water while in flight was too clumsy to pick up an egg. Perhaps the eagle simply wanted to let the loons know who’s in charge here.