Lubec Eagle Morning

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Jennifer Multhopp

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Dec 10, 2022, 8:00:43 AM12/10/22
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I just counted 24 Bald Eagles on the mudflats close to shore at the clammer pull off on South Lubec Road approaching West Quoddy West Quoddy. They were concentrated in a fairly small area. Most were sub adults, with a third or so being adults. As I scanned the mud flats further out I could see several others resting on hummocks. There were an additional 5 in the air near the intersection of South Lubec Rd. and Boot Cove Rd. Such a sight on this cold windy morning.

Jennifer Multhopp

Lubec

chr...@myfairpoint.net

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Dec 10, 2022, 8:25:01 AM12/10/22
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I wonder if this connected to some sort of fish run.  Last year, in November we were there at low tide and counted at least 50 Bald Eagles, the vast majority of which were immatures or sub-adults.

Seems  like it would be a good place for their cousin to hang out--the Steller's that is.

Wally S.

RALPH ELDRIDGE

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Dec 10, 2022, 10:01:52 AM12/10/22
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Congregations like this are very common outside of the breeding season, for a few reasons.
One likely made a kill or discovered something to scavage and others investigated in hope of sharing a meal.
Eagles are no longer tied to their breeding territories and those which don't migrate south (of us) tend to move to the coast. Interior waters are generally frozen and the land is snow covered, severely limiting hunting and scavenging opportunities. 
The open water, unfrozen intertidal zone, and abundance of seasonal food on the coast are attractive. 
Red Breasted Mergansers and gulls, especially Ring Billed, are two principal winter foods. 
Dead and winter-weakened animals are also easier to find in coastal areas.
The winter population of Eagles in the Passamaquoddy Bay region had held fairly constant for several decades at 200+.
Some travel considerable distance. One used to come Downeast every winter from Alberta.

Regards,
Ralph.

Louise Barteau

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Dec 13, 2022, 10:50:32 AM12/13/22
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Hi all: On Saturday night, December 10, I counted 22 Bald Eagles of mixed plumages come into a winter roosting spot across from my house. Reported to e-bird.

Yesterday afternoon, December 12, I counted 19 in the frozen pond across from the Eastland Motel on Rte. 189 - a favorite winter hangout. 

Last night, December 12 at dusk, I counted at least 12 coming into the roost again, although there were more flying into in spots further up and down the bay where I can’t get my scope on them.

Three in immature plumages were in the roosting tree when a mature eagle flew in and picked a branch. A few minutes later an all dark immature flew in quite close to the mature eagle. Through the scope I saw the mature eagle vocalize at length at the newest arrival who then flew off - presumably to find another spot after getting an earful. There is quite a bit of re-arranging themselves before dark.

They don’t come here in a group to roost until it gets very cold. Last year it was a group of 38 one night when it was 5F.

Louise Barteau
Lubec



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