I was out this beautiful morning trying to photograph some Wood Ducks that frequent a local stream (with limited success) and ended up spending some time watching a Bald Eagle doing some nest building. In this area (northwestern Ontario), this is behaviour I frequently see in the early spring, but I've never seen it October? I initially thought that the eagle had gotten a handful of grass with some prey (something I have observed before), but I tracked it back to a an old nest and sure enough, it was padding the nest. Any idea what might be going on? Has this bird had it's biological clock mixed up or is a late brood an actual possibility?
Interesting info on fall nest building. In many areas Bald Eagles undertake nest building and adding to existing nests in the fall and winter in preparation for courting and nesting that may start as early as January.
Jim
Last edited by James Prudente; 10-11-2010 at 01:22 PM.
Many bird species show a small resurgence of breeding activity such as singing or even nest building in the fall. This correlates with an upsurge in hormonal activity at this time of year. The phenomenon is called "autumnal recrudescence". The evolutionary reason why this happens is unclear but there are several hypotheses floating around. There may be some value in singing in your territory in the fall so that ownership is strengthened, making it easier to reestablish the following spring.
Strange Eagle Behaviour?
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