Not A Great Day - Developing Situation - Dulles Greenway Nest of Rosa & Lewis (2/23)

It's not a great day at the Dulles Greenway nest.
We all know that Lewis has not been incubating, and he also has not been bringing Rosa food. This has left our girl in a tough spot - similar to what occurred at the NEFL nest of Gabby & Beau.
A little after 1AM, Rosa stepped away from the eggs - and she doesn't seem to be returning. Based on the length of time uncovered, paired with local temperatures, the crew behind the cam is already declaring that the eggs are most likely no longer viable. I agree that this is likely the case.
While this is a sad thing, I am not nearly as worried about that as I am about Rosa. Some chatters on Facebook are claiming that they saw video of Rosa throwing up yesterday. I have not seen this video & I have questions in to the Dulles crew - but no answers/confirmation yet.
This is a very active situation, unfolding now. I urge you to tune in to the livestream to keep up to date ‪@DullesGreenwayEagleCam‬, though there is no chat to aid in understanding or discussing the events as they happen.
One thing I will say - as in NEFL/Beau - I will show no patience for those who want to eagle bash here. This is not the Jerry Springer show, y'all. Lewis is not a deadbeat, a loser, stupid, or worthless. YES - I've seen this being said!! What on earth is wrong with people that we would say these things? This is a young eagle, learning his way. Again, I would much rather have an eggless season while our younger males learn their way. This is not abnormal & it is not a tragedy. And, for the record - this does not affect you. This is Rosa & Lewis's world - their reality - it's not for you to judge or approve of.
Screen rec from Dulles Greenway Eagle Cam (Feb. 23, 2024)
#baldeagle #eaglecam #eaglenest #nature #wildlife

[@Agnes-hm7iv]

Oh Rosa, I am sorry for you, but please take care of youserlf ❤❤your health takes precedence over everything else 🍀🍀🍀I keep my fingers crossed for you my sweetie 🤞

[@crisam9947]

I was watching last night (yesterday morning) when they were both on the nest across from each other (she wasn't on the eggs) and I thought it was odd. I saw her at the nest briefly today and she looked healthy though, & I pray she is. I've never seen one to give up this early in, I have to wonder if she is that keen of a mom to know the eggs are lost already. As disappointing as it is for us, I suppose it's for the best. If I were to have bet, I'd've put money on Lewis being one of those daddy eagles who never wants to get off the eggs based on the hambone (bless his heart), but I suppose that same hambone could've possibly been the reason his hormones weren't in sync with Rosa's. I do hope these two remain a pair, strengthen there bond over the summer, & come back and have some lovely eaglets in their lovely nest next season! I think Lewis will be an amazing parent once hormones are aligned ❤ PS How had I not found your channel until now!? Subbed 👍🙂

[@WingsOfWhimsy]

This is pretty much the way I'm viewing it. I know that experts say the eagles don't know viable/non-viable & of course, we've seen plenty of eagles dedicated to staying with eggs that are well past hatch. I really think Rosa just had an insight that we don't quite comprehend. Lewis surprised me, too. He was SOOOO ready to incubate. It's all just very surprising, but we continue to learn right along with these eagles. Every season, I feel like they show us that we don't always know them as well as we think they do. They're full of surprises, both good and bad, but they know how to eagle! I think you bring up a very wise wonder.... did the ham bone "incubation" confuse Lewis in some way? I never thought of that, but it makes some sense! I'm so glad you found me & welcome!!!

[@crisam9947]

@@WingsOfWhimsy Thank you for your thoughtful reply! We're right on the same page! I've definitely learned to never say never when it comes to nature of any sort! I use terms like, "it's doubtful" this or "highly unlikely" that and then occasionally sit with mouth open when whatever happens goes against the expected or norm 😄 & Yes, eagles certainly know how to eagle and we certainly enjoy watching them do it! 😄 Happy perching WOW 🦅

[@susanmorris5520]

This is how I view it too.👍🏻🦅🦅🙏❤️

[@skytitan79]

That’s sad poor Rosa how much we missed Martin

[@judithc59]

Thank you very much for the update. the crew here is fantastic

[@moerussell-wr5se]

That's so sad. I do hope Rosa is okay. Her health will always come first regardless. Thank you for your comments. As you stated every one has to learn their way in life. This is nature. It's beautiful, it's fascinating, it's cruel and it's hard. If viewers can't understand this maybe they should find another site to watch. Hopefully Rosa will recover but Lewis will learn where he fits in. 🙏🙏❤❤ 🌎🌎

[@WingsOfWhimsy]

Well said!

[@antiadsaurus]

This is why I will keep saying eagles must learn and it's not all instinct. We now have cameras to watch these birds as they learn, but this has always been happening behind the scenes when we could not observe it. Eagles have to learn how to hatch and raise their young, just as we have to learn to parent. They do not have the resources and guidance that we do. They must learn all on the job, and that's the most difficult and painful way.

[@WingsOfWhimsy]

I believe that instinct steers learning, if that makes sense.

[@janajamer734]

I agree. We don't know what kind of raising Lewis had. All we can do is speculate only from what we've observed in other Nests. There are many possibilities that could have affected innate (instinct) and learned behaviors. It's NOT FAIR to judge or condemn or to compare other couples' nests without knowing all the facts! TTE (TRUST THE EAGLES)

[@lizzyyork]

@@WingsOfWhimsy This seems common with younger eagles. It takes years for them to mature enough to raise young. They also need to develop the hormones that help them go from protecting their territory instinct to the incubating. Sitting on eggs for hours isn't natural for eagles until their hormones guide them to.

[@meetvirginia7023]

Hope Rosa 🦅 gets to feeling better 🙏 I just love watching all of our eagle families. Tu Wings ! 🤗

[@WingsOfWhimsy]

So happy to share their stories. Thank you for joining in!

[@Dabears2024]

Prayers for Rosa 🙏

[@alexandrabda5956]

Hope for the best for beautiful Rosa. May she stay healthy ❤ In his own time, i trust Lewis will become a good partner to her. 🌟🌟💕

[@cherylcurtiss899]

So very sad! Shadow begs to incubate and has to be pushed off the eggs when Jackie wants her egglets back!

[@gailresources3970]

This isn’t Big Bear nest.

[@Niteowlette]

​@@gailresources3970that comment was a mere observation to compare. All eagles are different.

[@jaymefruit5551]

It’s quite unfair to compare eagles nests, if that was what you meant by referencing Shadow. Big Bear is as fine of a nest as all the others, including this one. But it, too, has had several failed seasons, just as all nests do. We should just feel fortunate to be able to watch them in their world, without criticism.

[@jenimac53]

Thanks so much for your words & video Wings, sending only positive energy & love to Rosa & Lewis. It's so hard being the new guy🥺 And I'm praying for Rosa's health & well-being🙏💖🦅

[@dawnpowers6233]

So wonderfully said wings of whimsical❣️🤗 & I am so grateful we are on the same page ❤️🤗

[@WingsOfWhimsy]

Thank you so much!

[@user-fk5sf8iq2p]

😣hopefully things take a turn for the better and Rosa is o.k...❤

[@loretta7683]

I love Beautiful “Beau”

[@rebeccahover9450]

SO SADDENED....

[@stedydubdetroit]

Oh man… the suspense. What a tale… I’ll keep watching‼️🙏🏽

[@pavel0491]

Absolutely spot on - it's sickening to read some of these derogatory comments. But the best thing is that eagles themselves don't give a damn about these trolls, which is great!

[@dawnpowers6233]

I don't read any comments, I read what wings of whimsical says. And I comment is all I do.❤🤗 Because I can't stomach negative comments. I've left all fb groups I was in except one, because there's no negative comments about Beau❤🤗

[@janajamer734]

​@@dawnpowers6233 I hear you, I've become quite the defense attorney for Beau (who knew)? It's hard to avoid such comments while on chat, sometimes mods aren't available so comments aren't' removed until they are. I always appreciate a Beau fan! Thank You

[@moerussell-wr5se]

Well said. Other than protecting and observing them they really don't need out intervention at all

[@dawnpowers6233]

@@janajamer734 I was defending Beau it was a 24/7 job driving me insane. So I had to get rid of the fb groups.

[@WingsOfWhimsy]

Thank you so much.

[@pebbie4786]

Well said - praying she's ok-

[@lorrem2539]

I will never forget the year that a male eagle in Canada, I think, brought a young crow to the nest and ended up trying to make it part of the family, rather than the meal. It did not survive due to the difference in how crows must be feed, they don't take the food from the parent. And the young eaglet was so much bigger that it ended up falling asleep on it. That is just a testament showing once the parent instinct kicks in, Lewis will be a good daddy. (I do wish that wasn't his name, though. Reminds me of the male osprey that is NOT a good mate for our dear Iris).

[@niico76]

The most important thing is that Rosa is healthy. I remember a young male at another nest who did the same, but now people call him Mr. Mom. Lewis will learn, meanwhile it is heartbreaking for us who watch the nest. But it’s the eagle’s world, we have to remember that.

[@WingsOfWhimsy]

Exactly - Thank you!

[@fidelaromo6705]

Why is it heartbreaking. ? I can't understand people that invest so much on this type of situation they are just wild creatures ,

[@Summit1962]

Poor Rosa .I hope she isn't sick. It is the same situation at NEFL. Lewis is to young. Next season it will work🦅❤🦅

[@WingsOfWhimsy]

She seems basically okay to me - if not just very thoughtful right now. I hope for the best for them both - as well as Gabby & Beau.

[@susanmorris5520]

My heart goes out to Rosa nd also Lewis too. Since I’ve been riding that the eggs won’t hatch this season then we can all have hope for next season and we all can also pray for Rosa and Lewis too the rest of this season for both of their health and not to speculate about neither of their health issues (which I have Rwscue from many people mention about Rosa). Eagles know how to do things on their own and all we can do is just put them in our prayers for good health and another future. I agree with WingsofWimsy in that Lewis isn’t a stupid Eagle and there is absolutely no such thing as a stupid Eagle anyway and that by next season he will be more mature and will be in sync with Rosa for a new laying of new eggs next season. None of us can assume or speculate anything on the Eagles even though we have had a couple deaths of Eagles and honestly, none of us have my control on that either. My prayers and many blessings are with everyone and this Eagle pair the rest of this season and into next season too. Love, Sue M. Clearwater, Florida ❤️🙏🦅🦅😇🤞🏼🥰👍🏻❌⭕️

[@WingsOfWhimsy]

Thank you for chiming in, Sue!!

[@susanmorris5520]

@@WingsOfWhimsy Nice to hear from you @WingsOfWhimsy. You’re welcome (I think)🤔 If I may ask, and I don’t mean to be disrespectful but was your comment to me appreciative? I’m sorry for asking but sometimes I’m not very good at figuring out or understanding someone’s comments. God bless and have a good night. Sue M. Florida 🥰🙏❤️🦅🦅❌⭕️

[@LemonLadyRecords]

I didn't read before watching, and I immediately thought it was Rosa. Just little things after watching 3 sick eagles die this season. But, if Lewis hadn't been helping (I've not been watching this nest a lot yet), it's impossible for one eagle to hatch eggs anyway. They can have more eggs, even nature makes the value choice that the adults are most important. And eagles/raptors will leave the eggs or even chicks if they are uncomfortable enough with a situation, in order to reproduce for many more years. I hope I was just transferring my sick eagle fears onto Rosa (probably just really hungry!), and that Lewis will understand his role better next season. Some of these males are just into sexual maturity, so another year will be really helpful with steadier hormones, and a stronger bond will help him understand what Rosa wants and needs. I'm sorry for all who were invested in this nest, it's a hard thing, esp if a tough recent history. And to have to wait a whole year for more eggs. But non-viable eggs are much, much better than watching Lewis' ignorance or fear of a chick! That usually doesn't end well. 😢

[@gailresources3970]

Hoping all is ok with the adult eagles. ❤

[@techshabby0001]

The raven can feed his babies fabulous meal. So it goes. 😶

[@LinkaBellGAME]

Those kind of people just don't understand that these are WILD ANIMALS, pretty sure there are other nests that have this issue that aren't watched like this one. His hormones aren't aligned with hers but I imagine next season they will be. Maybe if the raven's go after the eggs maybe they can try again and hopefully he can be more aligned hormonally.

[@LittleOldCatLady-qm8mj]

Thank you , I read your description before watching your video. Well said, lots of negativity was said about Beau also earlier. How else to learn except through learning. Next year these guys will be the best Dad’s. Give them a chance. Hope all is well with this nest. Thank you again for loving the eagles

[@timregan1005]

awfully sad. mother nature is not candy and gumballs, she is brutally honest. makes me rooting for shadow and jackie much more with their nest.

[@cherylcurtiss899]

Maybe I was comparing. Its an age thing and that it takes two when it comes to incubating. Rosa could not spend 34days without food.

[@annienewman8312]

sadly, this is nature. this is how things operate outside our human world. better for rosa to survive.

[@Whatnok]

Why would anyone say horrible things about eagles⁉️ NOT acceptable. 😡Animals; birds, n eagles know best. It’s their territory, home, and their offspring. We are just here to watch and learn. If anything humans are the ones w the ability to think and should behave like it. Truly hope Rosa is ok and gets well soon. I’m sure the lack of participation from Louis has thrown her off a bit. Hopefully he learns quickly, same w Beau. They’ll learn and get on w their bird lives, pr the gals will find new mates. Nature knows best. It will be ok. Maybe the eggs aren’t healthy this season and it’s for the best. As sad as that is. Thank u again WW. Wishing Rosa good health and Louis speedy learning.🙏💔❤️🤗

[@loretta7683]

I hope Rosa will be okay.🙏🏼 Lewis is developing into the fine mate he will be soon.🤗

[@dawnpowers6233]

To me by this video Rosa definitely isn't acting right ❤🤗🙏

[@Unterrifieddragoncat]

Well said 👏👏👏

[@joyfilsinger4732]

I think Rosa is depressed 😢

[@judithc59]

I don't know much about eagles, but I got the impression Rosa was having difficulties laying the first egg. I am crossing my fingers for this nest to have a healthy new season. Love Rosa and this nest.

[@sharonnyberg637]

Is Rosa OK, or did the crow peck & damage the eggs, status of Rosa please, worried ♥️

[@WingsOfWhimsy]

Neither Rosa nor Lewis have been seen in a few days now, I believe (unless I missed an update). This does not mean they are lost or in immediate danger - it could just mean that have moved on for now. We just have no way of knowing. The eggs have been buried by the new pair at the nest.

[@SilkeMachler]

I love all Baldeagles, and i don't want to presume,to judge their behavior. I hope Rosa gets well again.Thank you for the Update Wings of Whimsy🫶❤🙏

[@Whatnok]

Exactly! Something in nature in their environment is surely causing them to behave a bit differently. Regardless they know best. We must trust them, observe them from a distance, advocate for them, and protect them when necessary. 🦅🩵

[@mjoao4635]

Its very sad 😥, after last year we see raising 3 healthy chics( One of my favourite clutchs last year in the end with the colapse of the nest , the eaglets not a God end , the male etc etc 😢) ,,,wild nature is like this , capable of the amazing and the other side😢 , but One thing is sure: all mates have a learning process when they make big mistakes but they learn , and the folwing year they raise their chics,,,i alredy see a lot of that process ,,,,its Mother nature ,,,,and Mother nature don t folow the Human specie ❤ ,,,,we only could hope for better future❤

[@sheliastevens590]

Its so sad . Discarded plastic that resembles fish or food gets eaten. Their bodies cannot do anything but try to regurgitate it . If not.....😢😮 Don't wanna say it. Prayers needed. I pray it was not that and maybe just a bone got crooked and is thrown out now. Night all. May GOD continue to bless us all.

[@WingsOfWhimsy]

I'm still not convinced that there was a vomiting incident & I cannot get an answer from the Dulles crew. :( Hopefully, that was just a misunderstanding - Rosa seems basically ok to me at this point. I still find it odd that she would abandon the eggs so soon, but it's quite possible that she had an insight we will never understand.

[@debs987]

😢

[@cherylcurtiss899]

Sad for Rosa,but more concerned with Lewis not taking part in the process.

[@kimsmith6469]

From what I've been reading in other eagles nest, this is typical of young male bald eagles..untill they mature more..

[@janajamer734]

We have to remember that not every Eagle matures at the same stage just like human adolescents. Everybirdie is on their own learning curve. This is what makes Diversity in the Universe so wonderful!

[@kimsmith6469]

@@janajamer734 I just said that.. young males mature slower..they will eventually get the job done theres no DIVERSITY in animals..🙄🤨

[@jenniferlynn3537]

Well, of course the loss of potentially viable eggs is a tragedy! However you’re 100 percent correct that this is absolutely part of the natural order of things. Thank you for explaining that young fathers are still developing the skills (and likely the protective instincts) necessary to become a balanced parenting partner in a nesting pair of eagles. It’s occurred to me that the loss of precious eggs may actually serve as a vital prompt to inexperienced parents that causes them to “step up their game” in future seasons. If we are to compare eagles to humans at all, it should be pointed out that humans, too, often learn from their mistakes.

[@WingsOfWhimsy]

Exactly - Sometimes you have to fail first to succeed. I do agree that any loss is a tragic one, but I also see where this situation could have been worse. I'd rather see the loss of two eggs than two eaglets, and if this is what it takes to help Lewis in his process, then I have to accept that. Lewis is a smart, loyal mate for Rosa. He will find his way and come into his own, in his time. Thank you for chiming in!

[@SS71180]

I thought for sure lewis would incubate without question after seeing him with his ham bone i do hope rosa is ok odd for mother to just stop incubating like that. Trust the eagles though

[@WingsOfWhimsy]

This is not what I expected for this nest this season. It is sad, but a part of the process, I suppose. I still say, if something is going to go sideways, I'd rather it be during the egg stage than during the eaglet stage. They will get there. They know what they're doing, even if we can't always understand. (We're not always meant to, in my opinion.)

[@justdi3347]

Well said Wings- people are putting way too much human emotion in these wild animals made of God. It is a privilege to be able to see just a small snippet of eagles in the wild. Thank you for so eloquently stating the obvious fact. Bravo!

[@WingsOfWhimsy]

Thank you so much!

[@equaliser2265]

Breakfast time for the raven.

[@airops9825]

Hopefully the crow eats well.

[@rosehudson6583]

The male is young and has to learn to incubate just like Beau had to and be a father. Give him time . Next be year will be a better year for them. 😢

[@lindaadelwerth8042]

You tell them! Made me so mad when people were talking some bad things about Beau, Some were Pretty Nasty and Cruel. I got some nasty things said to me because I was defending Beau and trying to explain to these ( Igits ) Sorry what was going on and why, But they were not having it. I wasn't going to put up with it either and told them so. Praying that she's ok, Doesn't sound good if she was throwing up 😢 Know you will keep us posted! Very Grateful that you let us know. Prayers for her!

[@janajamer734]

I know what you mean. I have had a few nasty comments directed to me. I definitely won't get into negative comments on someone else's channel! Just like the Bald Eagles who have to defend what's theirs, we have to choose our battles. Thank You I adore Beau!💞

[@lindaadelwerth8042]

@@janajamer734 Glad to have someone else stick for him! 😊

[@lindaadelwerth8042]

@@janajamer734 I was always taught that if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all.

[@WhiteDragon110AC]

Well said WingsOfWhimsy and I completely agree.

[@WingsOfWhimsy]

Thank you!

[@RobertaMK]

Thanks for posting. I have also been frustrated by the "dead beat dad" comments. It's not even been 3 months since he started his new life.

[@Paula-mq5ch]

Praying for Rosa, I personally think she knew the eggs weren’t viable!!! Next year maybe‼️💜 if he’s young the Dad, then needs to grow up and as you said do better next season!!

[@janajamer734]

❤You are absolutely astute WoW in your narrative description explaining that this is Rosa & Lewis's Eagle 🌎, not viewers. Unfortunately, I've found that quite a lot of viewers don't read thru NDs, otherwise they wouldn't ask the questions they do. But if a statement like the example I use is @ the top in bold lettering, that may help. I have gotten real good in becoming NEFL Beau's defense attorney to such comments. The ones that work best ( & keeps such comments away) are the ones where I use 'We, Us, I', instead of using 'You or They'. As an example, I will say, "(BEAU (LEWIS) is GABBY'S (ROSA'S) choice, and We must not disrespect him, otherwise We are disrespecting GABBY (ROSA) & her decision! (FEEL FREE TO ADD TO UR NDs IF YOU WANT)! I will continue to pray that Rosa is well, for the Lord to wrap his loving wings around Rosa & Lewis, their nest & territory keeping them all from harm. I ask this in JESUS's wonderful name. Amen. Not sure what Rosa's furtile window is, but if it's open, maybe they'll 2nd Clutch like Super Beaks did? Thanx for sharing this update WoW. I've been real sick with a bad cold last 2 weeks and have barely watched any Nests, so updates are very helpful!

[@WingsOfWhimsy]

Thank you so, so much for your kind words, thoughtful insight, and appreciation. Feel better soon!! Not sure about the possibility of second clutch for Rosa/Lewis. I like to think nothing is impossible, but it would probably be about a month for hormones to "reset" for that to happen, and I'm not entirely sure what her window is.

[@loral5905]

Unfortunately, there is no translator function in the description of the video. I will learn everything that happens in the nest from the comments. I guess I'm not the only one?

[@nancyculliton1540]

Sometimes the eggs aren’t fertilized and they leave them. 🙏❤️

[@jennybultema5407]

I pray for Rosa ..people need to get a grip .. poor Beau was bashed so bad for being a inexperienced male .. now Lewis. Nature is not for the weak so if it bugs you so bad maybe step away . Since Noone is perfect in this world give the bashing a rest . They don't care what you think .

[@drcarriemills8772]

I hate the bashing of all animals. Well and people too. Stop it

[@tiggy7429]

It's such a sad sign of our times are negative comments. If people want to watch they have to accept nature will follow it's natural path, the Eagles know best unless something unfortunate happens,

[@DiscoMaiden]

I've also seen those types of comments on various eagle cams. I think, how are they actually thinking this, let alone publicly posting about it. Absolutely absurd to throw out labels like that on these animals.

[@WingsOfWhimsy]

That's what I kept thinking.... It's one thing to let a ridiculous thought grace your brain. It's a whole other thing to take the next step & share that nonsense with the world. I'm constantly surprised by how people behave when they feel anonymous online.