Update on the 2010 Black Eagle breeding season

Dear all,
I would like to share this amusing account sent in by Murray Weiner describing the antics of the Porcupine Hills pair setting their house in order for the new breeding season:

You will be happy to know that Mr and Mrs Verreaux are happily doing alterations to their nest to bring it up to 2010 standards.

They have been quite vocal this past week, and this evening. He was playing with some pine branches and circling the house, until she approved of his choice of fabric.

She called and he promptly dove into the area with his acquisition.

There is a lot of chatting going on now and they sometimes stay up quite late discussing their programme for the next day.

Reports on other pairs have also been coming in.

Most exciting is that the Botrivier pair looks like they are intent upon breeding this season. The entire kloof , including their old nest, burned down earlier this year and Eric reports that they have built a brand new nest to the right of the old one.

The Oudebos pair is present, but not refurbishing yet.

Lester at the Steenbras water works reports seeing the eagles perched on the rock that indicates they are back in the kloof and Eric has seen them refurbish their nest.

The Blousteen pair who has their second nest at Rooiels has been spotted by Helen refurbishing their nest at Rooiels.

I think most of you know that the Silvermine pair is very busy refurbishing their nest for the seventh consecutive year; and Tony reports that the nest at Langebaan looks like it has been receiving some attention.

The Donkerhoek nest near the beginning of the old Du Toits Kloof pass shows signs of refurbishment and the pair has been very visible in the area.

Last but not least Colin from Matjies Rivier in the Cederberg has been watching the Leeuvlakte pair mate and refurbish their nest.

Thanks to everyone for keeping a close eye on our eagles; and please keep those reports rolling in.

Kind regards, Lucia.