When bald eagles are wanting to go beyond the beaky-kisses and body-bumping into serious egg-making, they announce it to their mate with a very special and unique chortling invitation. It’s easy to identify that sound even when the eagles are off-camera.
Even though Jackie and Shadow had been heard mating multiple times in the past couple weeks, when they were in the nest together and Jackie very clearly announced a sweet invitation to Shadow…
…he kept saying “not yet,” “it’s not time,” “I’m not ready yet”…or maybe “not right here in front of everyone, dear!” And each time, Jackie would calmly back away, maybe looking a little disappointed, but understanding that she had to wait.
But in the past few days. Shadow definitely got ready. Very often now, when either of them is on one of the nearby perches and the other ones arrives, Shadow sends out a loud ready invitation and moves forward immediately to take action.
They have been seen on camera on various nearby perch trees…mating…and mating…and mating. And each time, Shadow is very careful to tuck his opposing talon (the Hallux) out of the way as he flutters onto Jackie’s back to ensure he won't hurt her in the process.
They have mated at least once each of the past 6 days, and twice on Thursday. They even fit in a quicky very early this morning before the rain and snow hit.
Now, we get to watch and see where they take us next!
Sandy


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