Get Caught Up for Hatch Time at Smith Rock State Park
March 10, 2024
Springing forward for Daylight Savings Time is often associated with “Hatch Time,” at least for the Bald Eagles Smith Rock State Park. At the time of this post, we only know of their two eggs, as shown in the header image taken on February 29 by Terry W. Smith of “Images On The Outside.” The Golden Eagles are much harder to know about, as their nests are huge and deep on the walls of the Monument Area, so we don’t have a headcount on the number they are expecting yet. Thank you to each of the photographers who brave the elements to bring us such magnificent images!
Here’s what we do know:
On January 2, 2024, courtship began, and nesting raptor protections went into effect for both the Bald and Golden Eagles.
The Monument Area closed to climbing beginning January 5th, 2024 for Golden Eagle nesting. (Usually until Aug. 1)
Peregrine and Prairie Falcons climbing closures have not gone into effect yet. (Usually Feb. 1-July 15)
On February 29, 2024 two eggs were photographed on the Bald Eagle nest.
FEBRUARY 2024 BALD EAGLE ACTIVITY (click on the images to enlarge)
February 4-11, 2024, Charlie Busa Photography:
Nest prep time.
February 18, 2024, Charlie Busa Photography:
It’s cold out there…
February 18, 2024, Charlie Busa Photography:
Enjoying some flying time together before the eggs come.
February 29, 2024, Matt Oliphant Photography:
”The incubation process has begun and now we wait for the magic to unfold. These are some moments I captured of the beautiful adult female at the nest from this past week. During this fragile stage, the egg(s) need to be maintained at a consistent temperature of around 105 degrees. The female tends to do most of the sitting on the eggs. While the male watches guard of the nest and hunts food for the family.”
February 29, 2024, Terry W. Smith “Images On The Outside”:
The two eggs are photographed!
“Male on the nest when I arrive.”
“Both check to make sure eggs are still there.”
“Female shows up (wants to know what he's been doing while she was gone, nest is a mess)”
“Male is dismissed while Female restores control.”
“This was the moment 2 eggs became visible.”
FEBRUARY 2024 GOLD EAGLE ACTIVITY (click on the images to enlarge)
February 13, 2024, Darrin Underwood Photography:
“Fingers crossed for another successful eagle nesting year. Final nest preparations are being made at both the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle nests. The Golden Eagle nest is on a cliffside about 1,300 feet from where I’m standing. The Bald Eagle nest is about 300 feet away. For scale, the Golden Eagle nest on the cliff is about 8 feet high by 10 feet wide at the widest part.”
March 2024 BALD EAGLE ACTIVITY (click on the images to enlarge)
March 3, 2024, Charlie Busa Photography:
Switching out on the nest at first, then the other takes off.
March 6, 2024, Sheryl French Photography:
”They are in here somewhere.”
March 8, 2024, Sheryl French Photography:
”No, I’m not going to let you see them.”
March 10, 2024, Charlie Busa Photography:
”Make sure you get my good side.”
MARCH 2024 GOLDEN EAGLE ACTIVITY (click on the images to enlarge)
March 10, 2024, Charlie Busa Photography:
Checking on the egg(s)? and then off to get food.