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Posted by Ken Schneider on 20:57:56 04/13/09
In Reply to: Re: Bald Eagle question posted by majorjsh
James,
I'm certainly not an expert! I assume you are describing a white-headed adult. If the bird has only shown up for the first time, it is possible that it is wandering during the post-breeding period. Those from down south on the Keys (and soon the PP birds) will start moving generally northward. The younger birds will move farthest north. The adults from southern Florida tend to stay within the state all summer. Unmated or unsuccessful breeders might move about earlier. We have already seen two first year birds that have passed near the PP nest, and know they were not "our" chicks.
If you do see one during the nesting season, beginning in late October, and especially if two adults are present, there is a good chance they are nesting within a couple of miles of your location. Right now it is hard to say. Even the PP pair might wander several miles in search of food, but Plantation seems a bit far. We think one of the PP adults was seen near the southern end of Weston Road, as it was heading south with a fish, about two weeks ago. The adult in Sunset Lakes is about 2 1/2 miles south of the nest, and last season (December 2008) I had a pair copulating on my lake about 2 miles SW of the PP nest. Later I saw them carrying prey in the exact direction of the nest.
All I can say is keep your eyes out for another bird-- an immature from this season might follow an adult, wanting to be fed. Courtship and egg-laying is in mid-December, and if you see adults at that time, a nest may be nearby. It is estimated that 27% of active Bald Eagle nests in Florida go unreported.
Hope this helps!
Ken
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