10-4-2023 It’s Beaky Kissing Time
Jackie and Shadow have visited the nest every day since they first arrived back at the nest a week ago. Their long summer hiatus around the lake without nest visits had lasted 2 full months.
This past Monday night they had what seemed to be some serious pillow talk discussions—they chortled back and forth to each other 12 different times between lights out and morning sunrise! Since then, they have been quickly stepping up their nest visits and their bonding.
Yesterday Jackie arrived early to the nest, straight from their roost tree night together. She only stayed 10 minutes, but took some of that short time to lie fully down in the nest bowl, checking its fit and readiness.
Both she and Shadow were seen popping on and off their various nest area perch trees during the day. Then they visited the nest together for a little pre-bedtime interior decorating before heading out for the night.
Mid-morning today, some ravens were getting too close to the nest for Jackie’s comfort. So, she zipped into the nest to keep close watch on those mischief-makers. While she was there, they continued their nest fly-bys and one brave soul even perched on the front porch balcony right in front of Jackie. Confident Jackie calmly stood her ground and waited until they were gone before heading out. She returned in the late afternoon and hung out on the front porch watching the neighborhood for over an hour before Shadow joined her to make his own observations.
After a short break, Shadow returned with a nice solid stick to add to the nest furniture. Fortunately, Jackie quickly dropped in to help place that stick in just the right location. And the best part of the day--the chest bumping in close quarters as they worked on the nest bowl turned rapidly into some sweet beaky kisses…and that of course called for even more of that gentle kissing before they headed out for the night.
Jackie and Shadow have started all their building and bonding a bit earlier this year than in the past. We’ll watch to see whether they keep going full speed or take a few break days here and there like they sometimes do.
Pull up a perch and join us in chat for the Grand Re-opening Day on Monday 10/9. Chat schedule 8AM - 10AM, 5PM - 7PM Monday - Friday. See you soon!
Sandy
Friends of Big Bear Valley https://friendsofbigbearvalley.org/