Another Myth Solved

The Eagle · 08-25-2008, 07:09 AM

Hi Guys & Gals,
It's been a long time since I've been "On" the website (to post), but I've been here! Now, I read a post about Eagles, and it was said by one person, the Eagles were killing the Loons, and another person said, the Eagles do not go after the loons, just fish. I have spent my entire summer in Moultonboro Bay watching the birth and growth of three baby Bald Eagles. This past Saturday, I observed the "mother Bald Eagle" watching a mature Loon, right off "Popular Island." All of a suddent the Mother Bald Eagle came down, with her talons fully extended, going right after the Loon. The Loon dove down just in the nick of time. So it's a fact, the Bald Eagles DO, in fact, attack the Loons. I'm very mixed on this one! I Love both the Bald Eagles (Of course) and the Loons. I guess it's up to Mother Nature as to which one pervails in any situtation. It has been a wonderful summer watching these Bald Eagles, as this was the first time in my life I actually got to observe a Bald Eagle up close.
Now for a different subject! WHAT is wrong with the Meredith Police? How many were caught up in that traffic mess yesterday afternoon? It took me one and a half hours to go from "Moultonboro," to "Meredith Center." Traffic was bumber to bumper, almost from Center Harbor to Meredith, on RT 25, and nothing going up the old Route 3? If they have an event (like that Craft Show) wouldn't you think they would TRY to get a traffic Cop to unblock that grid lock? This happens every year, and they never make any attempt to make the traffic flow, easier, through those lights. The "Citizen" said that the "Crowd, at the Craft Fair, was light, this year." I wonder why? Could it be the traffic? I think they could use some of that old Chineese custom, called "PLAN-ING!" (OK you guys can beat me up on this one, but at nealry $4.00 a Gallon for gas, who wants to sit in gridlocked traffic!)
Gald to see some "new faces," here, but where have all the old ones gone? I find "Buckies," and "Capt. Bart's," still the best places to "Visit," in Moultonboro!
Have a great ending to the summer season!
"The Eagle"

twoplustwo · 08-25-2008, 07:35 AM

Although this was probably the worst Sunday all summer (traffic has been way down, IMO), 25 into Meredith on a Sunday is never an option, for me. 25B to 3 works much better, although I'm not sure you can take the back way to 104 from Waukewan Rd. with the road work they've been doing due to the rains washing out the road. If not, going up route 3 into Meredith, up Main St, right on Water, through the parking lot behind the park on Main St., up the open section of Main to Waukewan then out to 104 would've been a heck of a lot easier than trying to battle 25 when the Sunday exodus of weekenders/vacationers is taking place on top of the craft fair. With Main St. being 'closed' in Meredith for the fair, most folks avoid it all together when you can actually pop in there and around the craft fair really easily since no one realizes you can get to Water St. and back out on Main by the library.

That Sunday back up used to take place all of July through Labor Day. Hasn't been that way this year, sadly.

The eagle versus the loon isn't surprising, Mother Nature and all. Too bad the eagles don't target the seagulls, instead.

MJM · 08-25-2008, 08:22 AM

It was a great addition to a gorgeous day of family fun on the Lake.....to look up and see a bald eagle flying/floating over Wolfeboro Neck, Parker island, etc. There is just no place I'd rather be!

rrr · 08-25-2008, 09:38 AM

Any pictures of the babies?

GTO · 08-25-2008, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Eagle

Hi Guys & Gals,
It's been a long time since I've been "On" the website (to post), but I've been here! Now, I read a post about Eagles, and it was said by one person, the Eagles were killing the Loons, and another person said, the Eagles do not go after the loons, just fish. I have spent my entire summer in Moultonboro Bay watching the birth and growth of three baby Bald Eagles. This past Saturday, I observed the "mother Bald Eagle" watching a mature Loon, right off "Popular Island." All of a suddent the Mother Bald Eagle came down, with her talons fully extended, going right after the Loon. The Loon dove down just in the nick of time. So it's a fact, the Bald Eagles DO, in fact, attack the Loons. I'm very mixed on this one! I Love both the Bald Eagles (Of course) and the Loons. I guess it's up to Mother Nature as to which one pervails in any situtation. It has been a wonderful summer watching these Bald Eagles, as this was the first time in my life I actually got to observe a Bald Eagle up close.
Now for a different subject! WHAT is wrong with the Meredith Police? How many were caught up in that traffic mess yesterday afternoon? It took me one and a half hours to go from "Moultonboro," to "Meredith Center." Traffic was bumber to bumper, almost from Center Harbor to Meredith, on RT 25, and nothing going up the old Route 3? If they have an event (like that Craft Show) wouldn't you think they would TRY to get a traffic Cop to unblock that grid lock? This happens every year, and they never make any attempt to make the traffic flow, easier, through those lights. The "Citizen" said that the "Crowd, at the Craft Fair, was light, this year." I wonder why? Could it be the traffic? I think they could use some of that old Chineese custom, called "PLAN-ING!" (OK you guys can beat me up on this one, but at nealry $4.00 a Gallon for gas, who wants to sit in gridlocked traffic!)
Gald to see some "new faces," here, but where have all the old ones gone? I find "Buckies," and "Capt. Bart's," still the best places to "Visit," in Moultonboro!
Have a great ending to the summer season!
"The Eagle"

We have been watching two bald eagles that live in the cove next to us all summer. Its like a live National Geographic special. I have been directly underneath them in my kayak as they sat perched in the tree above. A truely amazing bird. I watched one day as one eagle was on a tall pine tree and a duck flew by along the top of the water. The eagle dive bombed down towards the duck but missed and then just followed the duck out around the point so I'm not sure who won that battle.

TomC · 08-25-2008, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Eagle

snip...This past Saturday, I observed the "mother Bald Eagle" watching a mature Loon, right off "Popular Island."

Do you mean the island next to Joes Island, near Camp Tecumseh? I have been watching two eagles there all summer. There used to be a big nest in the tree there with two adult eagles and what sounded like babies. The nest is gone now... did it blow down in one of the squalls? The eagles are very large, but they do not have white heads. Are they a different species? they look like Golden eagles, but i have no idea of the range of that bird...

Gatto Nero · 08-25-2008, 12:19 PM

We've noticed at least one Bald Eagle on multiple occasions throughout the summer around Black Cat. We have also noticed an almost complete lack of other birds, chipmunks, and squirrels. Last year we had lots of each going after the birds feeders. We were refilling several times per week.This year we have never had to refill our two bird feeders. Not even once. The very few birds that we have seen are staying very low to the ground under the cover of the shrubs.

GTO · 08-25-2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gatto Nero

We've noticed at least one Bald Eagle on multiple occasions throughout the summer around Black Cat. We have also noticed an almost complete lack of other birds, chipmunks, and squirrels. Last year we had lots of each going after the birds feeders. We were refilling several times per week.This year we have never had to refill our two bird feeders. Not even once. The very few birds that we have seen are staying very low to the ground under the cover of the shrubs.

Same here on the number of chipmunks. We see very few now. The fishing has gone real bad too. Even when I snorkle in the cove, I see very few fish. The eagles we had definately have the white heads. I took some pictures a few weeks ago when I was underneath them. I will try to see how they came out and will try and post them here.

Island-Ho · 08-25-2008, 01:45 PM

Although quite large now, this year's baby eagles (eaglets) will not have the distinctive white head and tail, but are all brown. They will not develop the white feathers for four years, and are often mistaken for the golden eagle. I've also been watching two from another part of the lake.

The Eagle · 08-25-2008, 03:05 PM

Hi Tom C (and others),
Yes that is the group of Bald Eagles, (Near Smith Cove, and Camp Tacumsaha,) and yes the "Tornado Winds weekend," destroyed the nest. One baby fell to the island, and as of last Sunday was still trying to get the strength to jump up and fly on it's own. The Mother, (and the Audoborn Society, from what I've heard) are making sure it gets the proper nourshment, to grow. The other two Chicks, are usually sitting on branches, close by. You can hear them "cry," when it's dinner time! What kind of boat were you in? I was in the Maroon and White "Sea Ray," you could have met me, if you knew it was me.
To (I think it was "rrr", who asked) I DO have lots of photos of the Baby Eagles, but I don't have a clue, as to how to post them. They are on digital camera. Any suggestions, from anyone?
By the way, they have brown bodies, until they mature (in about 4 years), but if you look close, you can see traces of the white forming. They are absolutely beautiful! I'll be back again this weekend, to see the smallest one take it's first flight, because I think it is just about ready! "Life is GOOD!"
"The Eagle"

Bear Islander · 08-25-2008, 04:41 PM

Our neighbor took this picture of an eagle that caught a bass and took to the trees for lunch. Notice that the fish tail is hanging down showing it to be rather large.

SIKSUKR · 08-26-2008, 12:23 PM

Welcome back Eagle!A lot of us are still here.I was looking at the parade of flags the other day on photopost and was wondering where the Eagle had flown off to.Don't be a stranger as you are one the always positive members...except for that traffic thing.

chipj29 · 08-26-2008, 01:02 PM

BI, that is a great picture! That is one big bird!

Waterbaby · 08-26-2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Eagle

Hi Tom C (and others),

To (I think it was "rrr", who asked) I DO have lots of photos of the Baby Eagles, but I don't have a clue, as to how to post them. They are on digital camera. Any suggestions, from anyone?

"The Eagle"

Wonderful to see you back, Eagle! Do you know how to download pics to your computer? That's the first step! (And I'm not being facetious, if anyone thinks I am -- I know people who've had digital cameras for several years now and have no clue how to download, they take their camera to Wal-Mart, hand it over, and say "here, make this turn into pictures for me please".)

Loony Singer · 08-27-2008, 06:19 AM

...I don't think I'd blame the eagles for their absence.

We're on the end of Moultonboro Neck, and have noticed the same thing. But I asked the speaker at the Loon Center talk on wildlife myths (mentioned in another note) about it. She hadn't really noticed them being missing, said she's got tons in her own yard.

But she added that having a winter when the snow is on the ground continuously and late into the spring is very hard on the population of these little critters. So I think that's probably the explanation, rather than the eagles.

We're wondering how the larger animals that feed on them...foxes and such...are making out, too. We usually see a good number of foxes, but only a few this year.

Well, at least the rodents aren't stealing the tomatoes from my wife's plants this season

The Eagle · 08-27-2008, 08:05 AM

HI Water Baby,
I Know you were NOT being facisious! I can down load them (photos)to the computer (but a few years ago, maybe not). How do I get them to post on the Winnipesaukee.com web site? Thanks for your help!
"The Eagle"

Grant · 08-27-2008, 08:09 AM

A few weeks ago, my son and I decided to canoe over to the northern side of Black Island to throw some Texas-rigged plastics in the rocks. As we neared the northeast tip of the island, a large adult baldy flew right overhead and perched itself atop a tall pine right along the shore. We paddled in that direction until we were directly beneath the tree, and sat and watched the eagle for ten minutes or so. I had brought my "angler's de-liar device" (aka Flip Video recorder), and so got some okay video of the eagle in the tree, and then another of it taking off and flying away. I'll try to post it to YouTube and link back here.

I know from reading forum postings that a few eagles frequent the area between Twin Islands and Black Island, and have also seen a few doing some fishing of their own in Melvin Bay. The northern side of Black is ideal habitat, as there are no buildings or docks, plenty of tall pines along the shore, and obviously good fishing in the bay.

chipj29 · 08-27-2008, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Eagle

HI Water Baby,
I Know you were NOT being facisious! I can down load them (photos)to the computer (but a few years ago, maybe not). How do I get them to post on the Winnipesaukee.com web site? Thanks for your help!
"The Eagle"

Eagle, to post a pic within a post, here is what you do. When you hit "Post Reply", you get the reply screen where you post your reply or post. Scroll down a bit in that screen, and there is a button that says "Manage Attachments". Hit that button, and you will see where you can find the file that you want to post. Find the file, then click "Upload". You should then see the name of your file under where it says "Current Attachments" on the Manage Attachments screen. Click "Close this Window" at the bottom or at the top. The reply screen will show the file that you just attached. It should then appear in the post when you hit "Submit Reply".
I attached a pic for an example.

I have not posted any pics in the gallery/photopost section, so I can't help you there.

Hope that helps get you started.

The Eagle · 08-28-2008, 06:43 AM

Hi Grant,
I hope I'm not the only one, who is "Curious?" What are "Texas Rigged Plastics?" It sounds like something we called "C-4, in Vietnam," (just kidding) what are they?
"The Eagle"

08-25-2008, 07:09 AM	#1
The Eagle Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Burlington MA & Moultonboro NH Posts: 218 Thanks: 17 Thanked 141 Times in 33 Posts	Another Myth Solved Hi Guys & Gals, It's been a long time since I've been "On" the website (to post), but I've been here! Now, I read a post about Eagles, and it was said by one person, the Eagles were killing the Loons, and another person said, the Eagles do not go after the loons, just fish. I have spent my entire summer in Moultonboro Bay watching the birth and growth of three baby Bald Eagles. This past Saturday, I observed the "mother Bald Eagle" watching a mature Loon, right off "Popular Island." All of a suddent the Mother Bald Eagle came down, with her talons fully extended, going right after the Loon. The Loon dove down just in the nick of time. So it's a fact, the Bald Eagles DO, in fact, attack the Loons. I'm very mixed on this one! I Love both the Bald Eagles (Of course) and the Loons. I guess it's up to Mother Nature as to which one pervails in any situtation. It has been a wonderful summer watching these Bald Eagles, as this was the first time in my life I actually got to observe a Bald Eagle up close. Now for a different subject! WHAT is wrong with the Meredith Police? How many were caught up in that traffic mess yesterday afternoon? It took me one and a half hours to go from "Moultonboro," to "Meredith Center." Traffic was bumber to bumper, almost from Center Harbor to Meredith, on RT 25, and nothing going up the old Route 3? If they have an event (like that Craft Show) wouldn't you think they would TRY to get a traffic Cop to unblock that grid lock? This happens every year, and they never make any attempt to make the traffic flow, easier, through those lights. The "Citizen" said that the "Crowd, at the Craft Fair, was light, this year." I wonder why? Could it be the traffic? I think they could use some of that old Chineese custom, called "PLAN-ING!" (OK you guys can beat me up on this one, but at nealry $4.00 a Gallon for gas, who wants to sit in gridlocked traffic!) Gald to see some "new faces," here, but where have all the old ones gone? I find "Buckies," and "Capt. Bart's," still the best places to "Visit," in Moultonboro! Have a great ending to the summer season! "The Eagle"

08-25-2008, 07:35 AM	#2
twoplustwo Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 456 Thanks: 51 Thanked 39 Times in 21 Posts	25 to Meredith on a Sunday is always a no Although this was probably the worst Sunday all summer (traffic has been way down, IMO), 25 into Meredith on a Sunday is never an option, for me. 25B to 3 works much better, although I'm not sure you can take the back way to 104 from Waukewan Rd. with the road work they've been doing due to the rains washing out the road. If not, going up route 3 into Meredith, up Main St, right on Water, through the parking lot behind the park on Main St., up the open section of Main to Waukewan then out to 104 would've been a heck of a lot easier than trying to battle 25 when the Sunday exodus of weekenders/vacationers is taking place on top of the craft fair. With Main St. being 'closed' in Meredith for the fair, most folks avoid it all together when you can actually pop in there and around the craft fair really easily since no one realizes you can get to Water St. and back out on Main by the library. That Sunday back up used to take place all of July through Labor Day. Hasn't been that way this year, sadly. The eagle versus the loon isn't surprising, Mother Nature and all. Too bad the eagles don't target the seagulls, instead.

08-25-2008, 08:22 AM	#3
MJM Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 262 Thanks: 0 Thanked 23 Times in 11 Posts	Bald Eagle W'boro It was a great addition to a gorgeous day of family fun on the Lake.....to look up and see a bald eagle flying/floating over Wolfeboro Neck, Parker island, etc. There is just no place I'd rather be!

08-25-2008, 09:38 AM	#4
rrr Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Winter Harbor Posts: 214 Thanks: 75 Thanked 37 Times in 14 Posts	Hey Eagle Any pictures of the babies?

08-25-2008, 12:19 PM	#7
Gatto Nero Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Isola Gatto Nero Posts: 697 Thanks: 162 Thanked 263 Times in 81 Posts	We've noticed at least one Bald Eagle on multiple occasions throughout the summer around Black Cat. We have also noticed an almost complete lack of other birds, chipmunks, and squirrels. Last year we had lots of each going after the birds feeders. We were refilling several times per week.This year we have never had to refill our two bird feeders. Not even once. The very few birds that we have seen are staying very low to the ground under the cover of the shrubs. __________________ La vita è buona su Isola Gatto Nero

08-25-2008, 01:45 PM	#9
Island-Ho Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 176 Thanks: 19 Thanked 14 Times in 11 Posts	Baby Eagles Although quite large now, this year's baby eagles (eaglets) will not have the distinctive white head and tail, but are all brown. They will not develop the white feathers for four years, and are often mistaken for the golden eagle. I've also been watching two from another part of the lake.

08-25-2008, 03:05 PM	#10
The Eagle Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Burlington MA & Moultonboro NH Posts: 218 Thanks: 17 Thanked 141 Times in 33 Posts	Eagles in Moultonboro Bay Hi Tom C (and others), Yes that is the group of Bald Eagles, (Near Smith Cove, and Camp Tacumsaha,) and yes the "Tornado Winds weekend," destroyed the nest. One baby fell to the island, and as of last Sunday was still trying to get the strength to jump up and fly on it's own. The Mother, (and the Audoborn Society, from what I've heard) are making sure it gets the proper nourshment, to grow. The other two Chicks, are usually sitting on branches, close by. You can hear them "cry," when it's dinner time! What kind of boat were you in? I was in the Maroon and White "Sea Ray," you could have met me, if you knew it was me. To (I think it was "rrr", who asked) I DO have lots of photos of the Baby Eagles, but I don't have a clue, as to how to post them. They are on digital camera. Any suggestions, from anyone? By the way, they have brown bodies, until they mature (in about 4 years), but if you look close, you can see traces of the white forming. They are absolutely beautiful! I'll be back again this weekend, to see the smallest one take it's first flight, because I think it is just about ready! "Life is GOOD!" "The Eagle"

08-25-2008, 04:41 PM	#11
Bear Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bear Island Posts: 1,764 Thanks: 32 Thanked 441 Times in 207 Posts	Our neighbor took this picture of an eagle that caught a bass and took to the trees for lunch. Notice that the fish tail is hanging down showing it to be rather large. Attached Images

08-26-2008, 12:23 PM	#12
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	Welcome back Eagle!A lot of us are still here.I was looking at the parade of flags the other day on photopost and was wondering where the Eagle had flown off to.Don't be a stranger as you are one the always positive members...except for that traffic thing. __________________ SIKSUKR

08-26-2008, 01:02 PM	#13
chipj29 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bow Posts: 1,874 Thanks: 521 Thanked 308 Times in 162 Posts	BI, that is a great picture! That is one big bird! __________________ Getting ready for winter!

08-27-2008, 06:19 AM	#15
Loony Singer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 109 Thanks: 30 Thanked 16 Times in 11 Posts	about the red squirrels and chippies... ...I don't think I'd blame the eagles for their absence. We're on the end of Moultonboro Neck, and have noticed the same thing. But I asked the speaker at the Loon Center talk on wildlife myths (mentioned in another note) about it. She hadn't really noticed them being missing, said she's got tons in her own yard. But she added that having a winter when the snow is on the ground continuously and late into the spring is very hard on the population of these little critters. So I think that's probably the explanation, rather than the eagles. We're wondering how the larger animals that feed on them...foxes and such...are making out, too. We usually see a good number of foxes, but only a few this year. Well, at least the rodents aren't stealing the tomatoes from my wife's plants this season

08-27-2008, 08:05 AM	#16
The Eagle Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Burlington MA & Moultonboro NH Posts: 218 Thanks: 17 Thanked 141 Times in 33 Posts	Posting Photos HI Water Baby, I Know you were NOT being facisious! I can down load them (photos)to the computer (but a few years ago, maybe not). How do I get them to post on the Winnipesaukee.com web site? Thanks for your help! "The Eagle"

08-27-2008, 08:09 AM	#17
Grant Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Pennsyltuckey, Tuftonboro, Moultonborough Posts: 1,499 Thanks: 374 Thanked 229 Times in 123 Posts	A few weeks ago, my son and I decided to canoe over to the northern side of Black Island to throw some Texas-rigged plastics in the rocks. As we neared the northeast tip of the island, a large adult baldy flew right overhead and perched itself atop a tall pine right along the shore. We paddled in that direction until we were directly beneath the tree, and sat and watched the eagle for ten minutes or so. I had brought my "angler's de-liar device" (aka Flip Video recorder), and so got some okay video of the eagle in the tree, and then another of it taking off and flying away. I'll try to post it to YouTube and link back here. I know from reading forum postings that a few eagles frequent the area between Twin Islands and Black Island, and have also seen a few doing some fishing of their own in Melvin Bay. The northern side of Black is ideal habitat, as there are no buildings or docks, plenty of tall pines along the shore, and obviously good fishing in the bay. __________________ "When I die, please don't let my wife sell my dive gear for what I told her I paid for it."

08-28-2008, 06:43 AM	#19
The Eagle Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Burlington MA & Moultonboro NH Posts: 218 Thanks: 17 Thanked 141 Times in 33 Posts	What? Hi Grant, I hope I'm not the only one, who is "Curious?" What are "Texas Rigged Plastics?" It sounds like something we called "C-4, in Vietnam," (just kidding) what are they? "The Eagle"