nest drama

if you've been reading this blog for a while, you know i follow the eagle's nest at the norfolk (VA) botanical garden.  this year the dad had to find a new mate.  he has courted 3 females so far and #3 was getting settled into the nest; sleeping there at night, eating when he brought food and generally considering it "home."  however, #4 female came on the scene a couple of days ago and was chased off by dad.  problem is, #3 hasn't been seen at the nest for 2 days and #4 is trying to get the male to cozy up to her.  on thursday #3 and #4 had an altercation and locked talons but no serious injury to either.  the male has yet to mate with #4 but she is getting pretty comfy around and in the nest the male has prepared for eggs.  it's getting late for eggs to be laid--end of march is usually the latest--so unless things settle down soon, there probably won't be any eggs in this nest this year.  today there are over 13,000 people watching this drama play out in nature that is better than any hollywood script.