Quick Summary
It was a busy day for M15 & F23! Both eagles were hard at work bringing sticks to strengthen their nest. M15 delivered three sticks plus hay, while F23—the “Snap Queen”—brought two sticks she snatched mid‑air in her signature style. F23 made two additional aerial attempts but missed. M15 tested the nest three times to make sure everything was perfect. The pair wrapped up their morning of nestorations with mating on the upper branches.
Now that they’re several weeks into nest building, expect to see softer materials like grasses and moss brought in for insulation and comfort as the egg‑laying period approaches. Historically, F23 laid her first egg on Nov 8 (previous year) and Nov 24 in 2023—will she lay early again this season?
Key Takeaways
- Stick & hay deliveries: M15 brought 3 sticks + hay to the nest.
- Snap‑grab performances: F23 successfully snap‑grabbed 2 sticks (from the Front Drive Snag and nest tree inner limb) and missed two other attempts.
- Nest tests: M15 performed three nest tests to ensure structure and comfort.
- Mating behavior: The morning ended with mating on the upper branches, signaling a healthy pair bond and readiness for egg season.
- Next phase: Watch for softer grasses, moss, and bigger sticks for comfort and structural support as nesting continues.
Timestamps / Chapters
- 00:00 — PC & Cam 2: F23 snaps a stick from FDS but misses, returns to nest
- 01:24 — M15 arrives with hay, spreads it as F23 joins
- 03:20 — M15 shows adorable facial expressions
- 03:32 — Nest test #1 by M15
- 04:24 — More cute expressions from M15
- 05:29 — PC & Cam 2: F23 snap‑grabs from FDS, brings to nest (success)
- 06:10 — M15 joins in to assist
- 08:38 — M15 delivers stick #1
- 09:37 — Nest test #2 by M15
- 10:00 — F23 goes for a snap grab but misses
- 10:35 — F23 returns empty‑taloned
- 11:52 — M15 brings stick #2
- 13:48 — Nest test #3 by M15
- 15:00 — M15 delivers stick #3
- 15:39 — F23 snap‑grabs from nest tree and brings to nest (success)
- 18:50 — Mating on upper branches
Notes & Terms
- FDS = Front Drive Snag, a favorite branch for aerial snap‑grabs.
- Snap‑grab = When an eagle snatches a stick mid‑flight.
- Nest test = Behavior where M15 presses and moves in the nest bowl to ensure stability.
FAQs
Q1: What’s a “snap‑grab,” and why does F23 do it?
Snap‑grabbing means F23 catches sticks mid‑air or in flight rather than picking them up. It shows her agility and confidence and saves time while gathering materials.
Q2: Why does M15 test the nest multiple times?
Nest tests are part of preparing for egg laying. M15 ensures the bowl is sturdy and properly shaped for incubation.
Q3: When will F23 likely lay eggs?
Based on prior seasons, her first eggs came on Nov 8 (previous year) and Nov 24, 2023. She could lay mid‑to‑late November if trends hold.
Q4: What comes next in nest building?
Expect softer materials like moss and grasses soon, plus continued large stick deliveries to reinforce nest rails.
