Bill and Earl Nesting News

The nesting season started early this year, with spring about a month ahead of schedule in the Pacific Northwest. Many crow pairs already have fledglings out and about, learning all about the pleasures and pitfalls of life outside of the nest. About half of the early nesters had something go awry with that first effort, forcing them to start over. Bill and Earl’s nests fell into this category, putting them at a bit of a disadvantage; if they do manage to raise fledglings this time, the weather will be even hotter, drier and more challenging. BILL AND IRENE (WITH BACK-UP BETTY) Bill and Irene got off to a flying start this year, being the first crow pair I saw with an active nest. They have the added advantage of Betty, their offspring from a couple of springs ago, who acts as back-up nest security. Irene sat on the nest for at least two weeks, and all seemed to be going well until one day I went by and there was no sign of Bill, Irene or Betty, and the nest seemed abandoned. Bill and…