9 December 2015
Though it’s only December, Pittsburgh area bald eagles are getting ready for nesting season. They’re starting now because the females will lay eggs in February.
Those who don’t have a nest site are scouting new territories and those who do are staying near home to keep the scouts away. Meanwhile the immature set, ages 1-3, are loafing where the fishing is good up and down the rivers.
At the Hays bald eagle nest site, Dana Nesiti has been photographing the eagles whenever he can. He took this beautiful photo on November 21. Click on it to see more of his work at Eagles of Hays PA Facebook page.
Up the Allegheny at Tarentum, observers have seen lots of peregrine-eagle interactions since a pair of bald eagles moved into the area. Even though the female peregrine, Hope, left Tarentum for Pitt, a single peregrine is still present at the bridge. Mary Ann Thomas wrote about it at TribLive here.
So if you haven’t already, now’s the time to start looking for eagles along our rivers. Check out the established nesting territories at Hays, Dashields Dam, and Harmar. Keep your eyes peeled for new pairs at Tarentum and beyond.
Get ready for eagle season!
(photo by Dana Nesiti, Eagles of Hays PA)
Wow! Great photo. I first saw it and thought it was pulled off some site. But no, right here in the Burgh! Very cool. I like how it shows strength and determination. No wonder we made it our national symbol. And to think Ben Franklin wanted it to be the wild turkey. I’m glad he lost that one.
I live very close to the Emsworth Lock & Dam and have always hoped I’d see an eagle. Some day soon I think I will.
Cheers Gene
Gene, if you’re near the Emsworth Lock and Dame you should get to see the Neville Island osprey!
Kate, is the easiest way to see the hays Eagles to enter the trail near sandcastle and walk down?
Yes, the best way to see them at Hays is the method you described. My link to “Hays” on the blog post shows the map.
Great pictures as always Dana!!
The Crescent Twp (near Dashields Dam) pair have a new nest started — about 100 yds or so to the right of the old nest tree (which may have been lost to the Emerald Ash Borer.) It was pretty easy to spot if you know where to look.