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Wedge-tailed Eagles nesting at Western Water 2013 - 2014

In 2013 a pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles nested beside the Werribee River at Western Water.

April 2013

In April 2013 during a Western Water staff walk in Pinkerton Forest the group observed a pair of White-bellied Sea-eagles in a tree beside the nest tree in which they had successfully nested in 2009 and 2010, raising a total of three chicks. Everyone had high hopes that the sea-eagles would once again nest in Pinkerton Forest.

Spring 2013

However, by spring, a pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles was noticed hanging around Pinkerton Forest and Bush’s Paddock woodland area. They seem to have assumed ‘ownership’ of this area, presumably after having displaced the sea-eagles.

Throughout spring they were constantly observed in and around Pinkerton Forest and Bush’s Paddock woodland area. They were seen even more often in Werribee River Volcanic Gorge or flying from the gorge during restoration work. Their activities seemed to be centred on the river.

There has been a nest here for some time, beside the Werribee River

November

On Friday 1st November, photos were taken of the nest. The photos were inconclusive.

On Monday 4th November, Frances and Daryl observed the nest from the top of the eastern escarpment, looking down into the nest.  Photos taken seem to confirm presence of a young bird on the nest.

Positive confirmation of eagle chick on the nest.

On Tuesday 5th November Nora and Daryl returned to the nest for positive confirmation of nesting. A juvenile eagle chick was plain to see, sitting on top of the nest. In the sunlight fresh gum leaves could be seen lining the nest.

Positive confirmation of Wedge-tailed Eagles nesting at Western Water.

January 2014

After the presence of the juvenile Wedge-tailed Eagle on the nest we avoided further disturbance. Subsequent working visits to the river confirmed the presence of eagles in the vicinity.

On Friday 3rd January 2014 we returned to the river to water the plants we had planted here in Spring 2013. We decided to check the nest again. Two eagles immediately rose from the gorge and soared into the sky above our heads. As we approached to site overlooking the nest the juvenile birds was immediately visible but on our arrival it hopped to the opposite side of the nest, obscured from our view by foliage. It was now resplendent in juvenile plumage, with golden shoulders and head, with the rest of the body, including the face, a dark chocolate colour. This was a contrast to the dark, almost black parents.

2014

In February of 2014 the juvenile eagle was seen at several sites at Western Water. It was immediately recognisable in its juvenile plumage, with golden shoulders and head, with the rest of the body a dark chocolate colour. It was usually disturbed while perched on the ground.