Season 3 Review: Abby and Many Suitors
season 3 took us all by surprise. By Season 3 at Eagle Country, we were “getting our footing” and more than eager to begin the new season. We, meaning our growing community of faithful viewers and us here at EC, were anticipating another wonderful cycle of life here at the nest. Having already seen two sets of eaglets successfully reared and fledged in Season 1 and Season 2, we assumed the same natural process would occur this season. However, much to everyone’s surprise, it did not.
Victoria and Nicholas Do Not Return
Season 3 opened with only a slight hesitation. After annual maintenance was complete and before cams went live, we noticed that we saw eagles that we did not recognize. After watching Victoria and Nicholas so closely, we were very familiar with their markings, their particular perching spots, and familiar behaviors. Once cams were live and our moderators, who are excellent in their knowledge and viewing skills, and dedicated viewers who were familiar noticed as well. We were sure that we did not see Nicholas return. He was so distinguishable with the injury to his beak. It was instantly recognizable. That was hard to see, or more accurately, not see.
Key Moment: Abby Emerges
Abby perching in the nest tree
Season 3 Highlights
To see highlights of this season, you can watch on EC YouTube or find many pictures on EC socials.
As the first part of the season progressed, we noticed that we could not definitively be assured that the eagle that we were repeatedly seeing was Victoria. Collectively, through many watching very carefully, comparing pictures and past behaviors with Victoria, it was determined that the new eagle was indeed, not Victoria.
This new eagle did, however, remain in and around the nest for many months. She became known as Abby and many male eagles pursued her. There were a couple of different suitors that we thought she might choose. One notable male eagle was Shepherd, the eagle with the lame foot. He stayed long enough to become familiar to viewers, but alas, by the end of the season, Abby did not choose a suitor. As a result, the normal cycles of nest life did not follow.
Reflections on the Season
As a community at Eagle Country, we were saddened to feel like we had somewhat “lost” Victoria and Nicholas. It made us appreciate even more what all can be enjoyed, learned from and gained by watching these eagles.
Despite that, we were encouraged that Abby seemed to be attached to the nest and we were grateful for all of the unintended learning we gained this season. It was valuable to see other eagle behaviors that are natural to them play out in front of the cams. From territorial disputes by the many male eagles, to seeing how Abby responded, and didn’t respond… it was fascinating in its own way.
We would not call this season a failure or disappointment. Although we, as viewers, may have been disappointed that we didn’t see the adorableness of eaglets, or the full crops of over-eager little eaters, or the awkwardness of their “clown feet,” we were grateful for the opportunity to watch nature truly be natural and follow it’s patterns – even if they differed from what we were hoping.
As the season closed, we were still eager for Season 4. After all, we had to come back and hopefully see which suitor Abby would choose!
