Greetings fellow tweetsters,

This morning (Wednesday) I walked around Green Lake, doing my weekly census.
I was late and took more time than usual; but it paid off handsomely.

There's been a pair of Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) around for the
past two months. An adult male and sub-adult female. She's huge. It appears
they are roosting in trees in Lower Woodland Park, across the street from
the Small Craft Center (S end lake).

This morning at about 10:00 the birds were perched in the top of separate
evergreens in Lower Woodland Park. The female flew to the island and landed
in the top of the center tree there. At 10:20 the male joined her, landing
on her back and copulating with her. That's the first eagle copulation I've
ever seen at Green Lake. Presumably this is still pair-bonding behavior,
since egg-laying in Seattle usually takes place in early March. But if these
birds plan to nest in the area they better get started on a nest!

I've been on the lookout, but don't see signs of a nest anywhere yet, nor
have I seen them carrying sticks. It will be hard to miss once they start
hauling up to ten feet long sticks into a tree.

If anyone sees any behavior indicating nest building (by eagles in this
location), I'd appreciate a heads-up. Likewise I will give regular updates
if things progress.

Cheers,
Martin Muller, Seattle
MartinMuller at email.msn.com