As I sit here and write this, it's with Joy and Heartbreak. Harriet and PB had their first "bonding" this morning at 7:05 am. The joy of knowing there could be eggs this season and the heartbreak that to Me ,finally this really shows that Harriet has moved on and so far has accepted PB as her mate. I do realize that anything can still happen. There are so many possible scenarios.
But for now PB has stepped up to the plate and has shown he can do this. No more practicing on the branch and flashing Harriet ...LOL
Donna just got done saying that PB better show Harriet what he can do or she just might replace him. Maybe he heard her??? In my excitement ,I did not get a photo but Donna did.
So now we move on from here. Hopefully more nestoration more "bonding" then of course the mating will start. Should be around the end of October when they will be getting serious about mating. Remember Harriet has laid eggs within the middle to 3rd week of Nov the past 2 seasons. First season was in Dec for January hatches.
Good information at the link below:
http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=694449#694449
Hopefully bonding will continue between Harriet and PB. Nothing is "permanent " nothing is "cemented" even if they raise a clutch. Look at what we are seeing right now. Ozzie and Harriet a well bonded pair for over 20 yrs and at this point in time , the bond is broken.
I truly with all my heart thought I wouldn't see this between Harriet and PB. Everything we have been told and read didn't really prepare us ..ME for this. I look back at all that has happened and the way Harriet and PB were, I missed what was really happening . They had already begun the "getting to know you" way back when Ozzie was first missing and at CROW and PB came in and chased away all the other Eagles. He won.. if you want to say at that point in time Harriet and the territory. PB freed up Harriet to finish raising E6. I didn't see it. I knew where Ozzie was and knew he was going to come home one day soon. So my eyes were clouded over to what was really going on.
In my mind,if Harriet didn't want PB around she would have gotten rid of him after E6 left. Or maybe even before. She didn't leave the area which had me concerned that she might without Ozzie around. Harriet made it clear that this is HER territory and nest and she planned on staying. PB also helped make this possible by being with her and doing what the male does , patrolling, protecting the territory.Now it's PB's territory and nest too. So much I see now that I really didn't see at the being of their"relationship." There was always the thought and hope of Ozzie coming back.
Now, I know we still have to be cautious, prepared , understand that things could change at any moment. A stronger more mature Male or another Female could come in and change the whole game plan. Ozzie could possible come home. But I'll worry with that IF and when it happens right now I'm watching and learning about the here and now. All that matters is that they are working on the nest, "bonding" and moving forward as a new pair and we are just along for the ride no matter where it takes us. Hopefully it will be with eggs, hatches, and successful fledglings. What a great time to be witnessing this all come about. A young Male on his journey to be a first time Dad. A mature Female showing him the way and continuing her legacy. How totally awesome is this that we get to see it first hand !? I'm thrilled ! Are you ? I hope so .....
Link to Donna McMurrer's photo of the "bonding" this morning.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10207555738471237&set=o.432568663467061&type=1&theater
