More Eagles

In February I started watching 2 Bald Eagle eggs in a nest in California where activity is streamed on YouTube 24/7. Those of you who’ve been with me in my posts this year will know the story. For others, the eggs were laid on February 24^th and 27^th, and hatched on April 4^th and 5^th, and the two chicks, Luna and Sandy, fledged the nest on June 28^th and 29^th.  So, here is an update on what’s still going on at the nest, some 2+ weeks later.

Here is a short video showing a July 16^th dinner feed for Luna and Sandy. The little birds have continued to visit the nest daily and the parent birds, known as Shadow (the dad) and Jackie (the mom) have been bringing fish to the nest to feed the little ones. APPARENTLY (I capitalize as it is my assumption) the chicks have not learned how to hunt and fish for themselves and are still dependent on the parents. We shall see how long this continues to be the case … my hunch is they will be trained soon as all of the documentation I’ve read about Bald Eagles has said they abandon the nest after fledging and establish their own new territory so as not to be competitors to their parents. I would love your comments on the video. By the way, the YouTube stream is provided by Friends of Big Bear Valley, near Big Bear Lake, California.

Daylight Time and Ships

Have you heard? The US House of Representatives has passed a bill to make Daylight Savings Time permanent. No more switching back and forth. It now needs to pass the Senate and the experts say that is up-in-the-air. We shall see. Personally, I don’t like switching back and forth but I would rather see permanent Standard Time. Scientist say it is healthier and aligns best with the human body's natural circadian rhythm. On the other hand, humans love to tinker with things and they love to see if they can make the days last longer. Of course, they can’t change daylight but they can change their clocks.

My reason for bringing up Daylight Time is early mornings are darker. I’m an early riser and I enjoy seeing the cruise ships come in early like the Virgin Brilliant Lady in the photo below. So, see … I do enjoy one aspect of DST.

I have been fascinated by the comments I get on my cruise ship photos. Well, some folks have said they are not too interested in cruising, and OK, I get that, but if you’ve never tried it … how do you know you won’t love it? Ok again, enough said on that.  The photo below shows the Oceania Riviera departing Seattle on a recent afternoon, Alki Beach (West Seattle) in the background, and Vashon Island in the distant background. Oceania Cruises claims to be "The world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line.” I haven’t tried it, so I can’t confirm that.  😊

Speaking of cruising, I’ve got to mention my voyage this summer to Glacier Bay, Alaska. I sailed on the Holland America Eurodam. (Incidentally they name all their ships somethingDAM … I guess it’s a Dutch thing 😊) Anyway, as a confirmed “clickernut” I wanted to share a couple of my photos. First, Margarie Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park. You can read all about Margarie and see some images better than mine HERE.

Sailing into Glacier Bay National Park makes the whole 7-day voyage worth it, especially if you are lucky enough to get clear blue sunny skies!

Thanks for stopping by John’s Island. Take good care and enjoy the rest of your summer (or winter if you’re way down South! 😊)

Critter lovers be sure to check out sharing site Saturday's Critters.