Weather patterns have
been erratic this year, and fall has been no exception in Oklahoma.
The pastures are still lush and green, and the trees, which would
normally be nearly bare, are full of leaves that are only just beginning
to suggest that autumn is here. But the wildlife around us has already
signaled a shift in seasons. Monarch butterflies are moving south
in waves ahead of slight cold fronts as they make their way to Mexico.
Our once busy hummingbird feeders are all but vacant except for
an occasional visitor that stops to refuel before continuing on
south. Kettles of hawks, kites and vultures have been a regular
sight overhead. The young bucks are starting to chase doe and fighting
for dominance. However, the bucks are not the only onesthinking
about their mates.
For many of our migrant
and resident raptors, this time of year begins mating and nesting
season. By nesting early, these raptors fledge young by the time
spring arrives. Fledglings have time to learn the necessary skills
to survive on their own when prey is most plentiful. The red-tailed
hawks that nest in the east pasture have started their aerial displays
and become very territorial. Kyla and Charlie are already carrying
sticks to the nest. Their internal clock is right on time.
Wadasé
has spent the majority of the year along the Washita River just
southeast of Chickasha. She made regular rounds to all her familiar
spots, and by late August, she arrived in Harrah, near Horseshoe
Lake along the North Canadian River. The previous year, she was
at the aviary for nearly two weeks in September just prior to Mko
Knos release. So, as she moved down river, we were hopeful
she might stop by, but after checking telemetry, we learned she
had returned to the Washita River the first week of September. Trying
not to be disappointed, we reminded ourselves how fortunate we are
to still have consistent data from her GPS. That unit has stayed
on far longer than we ever imagined could be possible. After all,
Mko Kno wore his telemetry just over six months thats
the average and Wadasé is the exception.
Looking back at past
notes and Hownikan articles, one thing stands out; we keep crossing
our fingers for one more season of data, hoping it will be the season
that she picks a mate. Hoping this is the season that tells us where
she nests and allows us to continue to tell her story. We have asked
readers to keep good thoughts and prayers for her one more season.
We continued to study her telemetry data closely, looking for even
slight changes. Then on Sept. 14, just over a year since her last
visit, she once again headed our way. According to the GPS, she
passed over the aviary late in the evening at about 3,000 feet before
stopping to the southeast near Earlsboro. The alarm calls from the
eagles at sunrise the following morning let us know Wadasé
was home.
We made our way to the
office as fast as we could, and there she was, sitting up high in
her favorite pecan tree out front like she had never left. But to
our surprise, she wasnt alone. She finally brought her mate
home. They spent the biggest part of the day perched out front but
would take turns flying loops around the pasture, up and down the
creek to the river and occasionally sitting in the big tree out
back. Evening came, and they flew east and off towards the river.
In the distance, you could hear them vocalizing until last light.
The next day was much of the same, but the following afternoon,
we tried getting a better idea of where they were going to roost
in the evenings. Nearly fainting and not being able to speak was
our initial reaction as we watched Wadasé land in
one of the great blue heron nests located in the roost east of the
aviary. Many times, a new pair of eagles will take over these nests
because the herons nest later in the spring. Think of their nest
as a starter home for young couples.
Could she really nest
right here? Possibly! For now, we will have to continue with fingers
crossed. But the season we have been hoping for is finally here.
She brought her plus one to meet the family, and we all know what
a big step that is. Her internal clock appears to be right on time,
and soon they will settle on a nest site. Well be keeping
a close eye on her movements.
We encourage you to keep
your eyes out for Wadasé if you are near any of the
areas she frequents. For more information about CPNs Eagle
Aviary near Shawnee, Oklahoma, or to read previous updates, visit
potawatomiheritage.org.
Share your encounters with Wadasé, Mko Kno or any
other eagles or migrating raptors in Oklahoma or wherever you may
be with us at aviary@potawatomi.org.
Citizen
Potawatomi Nations Cultural Heritage Center
Citizen Potawatomi Nations Cultural Heritage Center has several
divisions, including 2D archives, 3D collections, digital video
and a non-lending library. These collections are created and maintained
through the combined efforts of tribal administration, Cultural
Resources staff and the tribal membership. Curating the diverse
collections associated with Citizen Potawatomi, Bodéwadmi
and Neshnabék heritage, the divisions are designed and staffed
to meet the rigors of both institutional and academic worlds and
currently serves as a model for interested tribes in the development
of their own research facilities.
http://www.potawatomiheritage.com
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