Overnight Jan 8/9 both the adult bald eagles stayed in the nest tree, with the male in the nest and the female on the back branch. Just before 7:00am the male moved to the back branch next to the female and at 7:02 the pair mated for the first time this breeding season.
Simply Wonderful!! Thank you so much, Mr. Lukei for posting these marvellous pictures – and, as ordained, it all starts again. How privileged we are to watch all this happen.
Thank you so much for posting Reese. Nice to see Dad has found someone and they appear to be getting along. Well, maybe a bit better than simply getting along.
Is this the first time ever or just the first time caught on camera?
Response – The word “observed” was used intentionally. We have no way of knowing if it was the first time ever.
Oh yeah….My first Eagle Mating. I’m so excited. Cannot wait for the first egg. I guess this means I better get my house in order because I won’t be leaving the computer. Way to go…
I think we all know that we may not have an egg(s) this year and even if we do it/they may not be viable. I hope we do! I’m hoping along with everyone else that we see viable egg(s)!
And begin!!
I am so happy for Dad Norfolk to have found another mate. I hope she is as ‘sassy’ as former mate was 😉
Thank you for keeping watch over them for us, and for the wonderful photos and updates!
Great pictures and what delightful news. We will all be wondering when the eggs will arrive, hopefully they will. I guess we should give them time to practice their skills first! Thanks Reese for posting.
I think this is a fabulous start to 2012! Dad is such a romantic and considerate mate – this kissing was a nice touch – talons crossed for bobbleheads to come.
Wonderful photos, Reese! How do they know when it’s “time” for mating? All critters are different in this regard. Thanks, Reese!
Response – Hormones. They know, but don’t share that information with us.
Amazing posting Mr. Lukei thank you so much for sharing this! I was wondering is there anyway ahead of seeing an egg to tell whether or not breeding was successful?
Response – No way to tell until she lays the first egg in the nest. Not like humans and some other animals where there is physical evidence.
Last year was a difficult year for so many in our “Eagle Nation”. Isn’t it great that life continues; sometimes for better, sometimes for worse, but it does continue. Thank you, Mr. Lukei, for keeping us informed. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for this new family!
Such exciting and hopeful news! Thanks, Reese! The screenshots are so sweet; do you know when the eaglecam will be online?
Thanks for all you do for us!!
Thank you somuch Mr Lukei. Do we know how long after a successful mating an egg is laid? Bless you & All!
Response – Sperm can remain viable for up to 7 days. Takes 24 hours for an egg to form.
Ohhh Reese THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH for letting us know, it looks like to me on the third picture he’s giving her a kiss and whispering … sweet nothings :-)))))))) Can’t wait to see if there will be babies, better get all the housework done and all the other little things that need doing around the house :-))))))
I’d like to add my thanks for all these wonderful photos. How do you get them? Are you in the tree? I watched last year and was so heart broken for this family when mama died. I’m so glad to see a new family beginning.
Wonderful, exciting news! Cannot wait for the egg laying to begin! Love the picture where they appear to be kissing! Thank you so much for keeping us informed!
Yes a great start to 2012. I will be at Turkey Run Indiana later this month for “flight of the Eagles 2012” It was last year down there that my wife and I seen the live cam feed.
Thank you for all the cam shots that you have shared with us. I will try to temper my excitement with patience and hope for a successful breeding. Also, thank you for sharing your expertise and your patience with all of us.♥Louise from Nor Cal
You taught us a while ago what to look for when they are mating and I curse you to this day for that bit of information (joking of course..I appreciate any insight you give us on Eagle behavior) so the million dollar question is did they actually mate (did her tail move) or just go through the motions and bond? Thanks Reese for the continued updates on the Norfolk Eagles.
Response – Would have been more accurate to say mating behavior.
Wonderful news…I love these guys! What a fantastic way to usher in a new year after such a tragic year last year. I stand with the rest of the Eagle Nation thanking you for for the updates and pics, but most of all for caring.
We’ll be visiting the Norfolk Botanical Garden this weekend (Jan. 14-15), and I’m so hoping to see our new couple. I guess 6-8am and 6-8pm are the best times??
Every day I look for more pics; thank you for these and thank you to whomever contributed the new cameras that soon will unfold more wonderment. What beautiful creatures!
Reese,
So sorry to hear about the female adult found dead in the gardens on Friday,,,,,but so glad that it is not “our” new female. Any time a beautiful creature that God has put on this Earth is found dead it is a very sad thing, and especially for the people of the Gardens who love them so deeply. OMG the only thing that first went through my mind was, not our new female, I just couldnt take another one of those, and I am sure that you thought that too….Keep us all updated,,,,we love all your wonderful pictures. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
Reese, can you reply to Marianne that NBG is open from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. You don’t need to post my comment if you reply in her comment. I’d hate to see her go through the run-around of not knowing when the garden is open… Thanks!
Response – Complete info about Norfolk Botanical Garden at http://www.nbgs.org – open 9 to 5
Thanks for all the time you put into sharing with us. These pictures are so healing. The tears are streaming as I look through all the photos.
I can’t wait for the live cam so I can share them with my 2nd graders again this year. Last year was tough having to explain what happened to Momma over the Easter Break.
87 Comments
WHOOOO HOOOO – kiss and GO !!!!!!!!!!
Wonderful!
Yea! Go eagles!
Let’s hope it “takes!”
Simply Wonderful!! Thank you so much, Mr. Lukei for posting these marvellous pictures – and, as ordained, it all starts again. How privileged we are to watch all this happen.
This is truly an answered prayer. We will have babies this year!!!
Thank you so much for posting Reese. Nice to see Dad has found someone and they appear to be getting along. Well, maybe a bit better than simply getting along.
Is this the first time ever or just the first time caught on camera?
Response – The word “observed” was used intentionally. We have no way of knowing if it was the first time ever.
awwwwwwww…..
So excited…. looking forward to the first egg :o)
YAY!
Happy Dance!! 🙂
Praying for a wonderful nesting season!
Oh yeah….My first Eagle Mating. I’m so excited. Cannot wait for the first egg. I guess this means I better get my house in order because I won’t be leaving the computer. Way to go…
I think we all know that we may not have an egg(s) this year and even if we do it/they may not be viable. I hope we do! I’m hoping along with everyone else that we see viable egg(s)!
And begin!!
AWESOME and Beautiful! Thank you – can Spring be far now?
Yeah!! Get the Cam ready…it’s Eagle Season!!! My favorite time of year after Christmas!
AAAWWW! so excited for the nesting to begin! Sure glad they don’t realise they hae NO privacy tho…
“Under the light of the Silvery Moon”…..la la la (Yipee) 🙂
And it’s my birthday! What a wonderful gift!!!
AND… He kissed her first – A nice chaste peck
beak-to-beak.
Hope all goes well with this mating.
And I forgot to say Thank you so very much for posting Reese. This is a miracle to me to see this through CAM eyes
I am so happy for Dad Norfolk to have found another mate. I hope she is as ‘sassy’ as former mate was 😉
Thank you for keeping watch over them for us, and for the wonderful photos and updates!
The 3rd picture looks like they are kissing! ♥
HURRAY!!!! Bobbleheads on the way!!! Soooo glad Dad found a new love!
How wonderful is this, cant wait to see babies!
Makes my day! Thank you Reese.
Thank God, thank you Reese. This wonderful news makes my heart sign!!!!! And we’re off to hopefully another awe inspiring season
Great pictures and what delightful news. We will all be wondering when the eggs will arrive, hopefully they will. I guess we should give them time to practice their skills first! Thanks Reese for posting.
Wondrful News! We so appreciate the updates! Can’t wait for the cam to start up! Way to go dad!!!!!!!
Thank you, Reese!!!
I think this is a fabulous start to 2012! Dad is such a romantic and considerate mate – this kissing was a nice touch – talons crossed for bobbleheads to come.
How exciting!!!
Just no privacy at all!! Look forward to a NEW SEASON of Bald Eagles/Eaglets.
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing with us.
Outstanding! Thanks Reese!
May God Bless+++
Thank you Reese this is exciting news woo hoo….
The male is so sweet I loved that he kissed her first..
Wonderful photos, Reese! How do they know when it’s “time” for mating? All critters are different in this regard. Thanks, Reese!
Response – Hormones. They know, but don’t share that information with us.
Thank you, thank you for posting……..eggs next, then those cute little bobbleheads…..can’t wait!
Were they sitting on the “love branch”? Yaay-Eagle Season 2012 has officially begun!
Woohooey! Good Luck to Mr and Mrs with your new life ahead….Thxx Reese for updating us!
Amen! Yey to 2012!!!!
Thank you Reese for the update on Mom and Pop Eagle. Wishing everyone a sucessful and happy year Eaglet raising and watching!
Wow, Reese, thanks for posting! Looking forward to another eagle season and new little bobbleheads!
Thank you so much for posting, Reese! Such wonderful news. I am so looking forward to this nesting season.
I’m really liking the ‘kiss’ before hand. (snicker).
Oh , this is great , it’s going to be another great year , glad to see dad has I good female .
What a Blessing!! Reese Thank you so much!! Such wonderful news!!
thanks so much for this wonderful news, Reese – and it begins again! nature is incredible, isn’t she?
Amazing posting Mr. Lukei thank you so much for sharing this! I was wondering is there anyway ahead of seeing an egg to tell whether or not breeding was successful?
Response – No way to tell until she lays the first egg in the nest. Not like humans and some other animals where there is physical evidence.
What Rose said! 😉 And what Debi said…. even tho that won’t stop me from hoping! 🙂
this is fantastic news! I’m soooo eggcited!!!!! 🙂
I’m so eggcited 🙂 Can’t wait for the new season!
Last year was a difficult year for so many in our “Eagle Nation”. Isn’t it great that life continues; sometimes for better, sometimes for worse, but it does continue. Thank you, Mr. Lukei, for keeping us informed. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for this new family!
WOW !!!!!
Thank you Reese for sharing these wonderfull pictures! God Bless this nest!
Best news so far this year!!! thanks so much Reese for sharing with EN!!!! YOU ROCK!!! 🙂
“…It’s the circle of life…”
Now this just made my day!! 🙂
Such exciting and hopeful news! Thanks, Reese! The screenshots are so sweet; do you know when the eaglecam will be online?
Thanks for all you do for us!!
(Sorry Reese, just have to say this!)
I expected a 4th picture of the both of them smoking!!!!!!
Thank you for the great pictures as usual…..
Thank you somuch Mr Lukei. Do we know how long after a successful mating an egg is laid? Bless you & All!
Response – Sperm can remain viable for up to 7 days. Takes 24 hours for an egg to form.
Wonderful, heartwarming pictures. I am so ready to sit in front of my computer all day watching those two beautiful birds! Thanks, Reese.
Happy day! Will the pair or at least the female hang around the nest more in preparation for the laying?
Response – Not until ready to lay eggs.
Oh, this is wonderful!!!! Thanks Reese for keeping us in the loop!
Ohhh Reese THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH for letting us know, it looks like to me on the third picture he’s giving her a kiss and whispering … sweet nothings :-)))))))) Can’t wait to see if there will be babies, better get all the housework done and all the other little things that need doing around the house :-))))))
When will the web cam be turned on
Response – date not yet determined
Reese, thanks for posting this wonderful news!! Life does go on. Love the 3rd picture – it’s so endearing! Can’t wait for that first egg.
Thanks Reese, this is wonderful news. So sweet the way they are kissing.;-)
I’d like to add my thanks for all these wonderful photos. How do you get them? Are you in the tree? I watched last year and was so heart broken for this family when mama died. I’m so glad to see a new family beginning.
This is fantastic. Those two have no idea how much joy and hope they bring to the world in their tree house.
Wonderful, exciting news! Cannot wait for the egg laying to begin! Love the picture where they appear to be kissing! Thank you so much for keeping us informed!
Yes a great start to 2012. I will be at Turkey Run Indiana later this month for “flight of the Eagles 2012” It was last year down there that my wife and I seen the live cam feed.
Thanks again Reese…you always come through for us! So exciting and that sweet kiss our precious Dad gave his new bride! Priceless!!!
Thank you for all the cam shots that you have shared with us. I will try to temper my excitement with patience and hope for a successful breeding. Also, thank you for sharing your expertise and your patience with all of us.♥Louise from Nor Cal
Yippeeee!
Hopeful; Excited; Anxious; Grateful!
You taught us a while ago what to look for when they are mating and I curse you to this day for that bit of information (joking of course..I appreciate any insight you give us on Eagle behavior) so the million dollar question is did they actually mate (did her tail move) or just go through the motions and bond? Thanks Reese for the continued updates on the Norfolk Eagles.
Response – Would have been more accurate to say mating behavior.
Mr. Lukei…you just continue to amaze us ! Thank you for the beautiful pictures.
Wonderful news…I love these guys! What a fantastic way to usher in a new year after such a tragic year last year. I stand with the rest of the Eagle Nation thanking you for for the updates and pics, but most of all for caring.
WONDERFUL !!!!!!!
We’ll be visiting the Norfolk Botanical Garden this weekend (Jan. 14-15), and I’m so hoping to see our new couple. I guess 6-8am and 6-8pm are the best times??
At least he was enough of a gentleman to give her a kiss, first.
Every day I look for more pics; thank you for these and thank you to whomever contributed the new cameras that soon will unfold more wonderment. What beautiful creatures!
Reese,
So sorry to hear about the female adult found dead in the gardens on Friday,,,,,but so glad that it is not “our” new female. Any time a beautiful creature that God has put on this Earth is found dead it is a very sad thing, and especially for the people of the Gardens who love them so deeply. OMG the only thing that first went through my mind was, not our new female, I just couldnt take another one of those, and I am sure that you thought that too….Keep us all updated,,,,we love all your wonderful pictures. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
Reese, can you reply to Marianne that NBG is open from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. You don’t need to post my comment if you reply in her comment. I’d hate to see her go through the run-around of not knowing when the garden is open… Thanks!
Response – Complete info about Norfolk Botanical Garden at http://www.nbgs.org – open 9 to 5
Thanks for all the time you put into sharing with us. These pictures are so healing. The tears are streaming as I look through all the photos.
I can’t wait for the live cam so I can share them with my 2nd graders again this year. Last year was tough having to explain what happened to Momma over the Easter Break.
What exciting news. Thank you for the update, Reese!