Hard times indeed.How quiet the little ones were crouched down during the intruder was in the nest. But no signs of panic or so.
What might the other eagle have wanted? Do they steal each other's food? Or worse, prey on the eaglets?
Sad to read that about Harriet. Can the eaglets survive with only one parent? Protection, food.. all done by one. Hard times in the eagles' nest.
The babies know when to lay low and not move. They can tell by M's vocals that he's calling out warnings to the intruder and probably calling for Harriet's backup. The other eagle probably senses that Harriet is gone and M is on his own. It could be after the food, the babies, or the nest. It could be a female too, checking things out, perhaps showing herself to M. He will choose another mate at some point, maybe even before the babes fly off on their own. In eagle world, life moves forward. He has a long road ahead, lots to teach, protect, feed. Harriet nurtured him and taught him all she knew, she did an excellent job. M is an amazing provider. If he gets injured defending the nest, not sure if CROW will step in and pull the babes or let nature runs its course. I'd like to think they would go up and get them, this nest is special. Harriet and Ozzie, then Harriet and M15 have touched thousands of us humans around the world.
This territory was Ozzies and he brought Harriet as his lifetime mate. When he passed away, the territory became Harriets. Now that she's gone, and I do believe she's dead. The territory belongs to M15. She most likely was injured in a fight defending against intruders, got hurt and couldn't get home. She wasn't young, she's 25 26ish. A younger eagle would be a tough fight, even with Harriet being a badass. If she couldn't fly, she couldn't eat or drink or get out of the elements.
Not a happy out for our Lovely Queen.
I do hope a miracle happens and she comes back...