July 4 Fledging!!!
So apropos...our both eaglets fledged on the 4th of July! Jane, one of our viewers provided recordings of both fledging events, which can be viewed at the web links below. I am including Jane's report and Charlie Todd's response. No one was in the nest this morning (July 5), but we expect both birds to occasionally visit the nest from time to time over the next few weeks. After they gain better flight skills, they return to the nest as a convenient place to feed and perhaps even roost for the night.
After fledging the chicks stay in close proximity of the nest for a month or two before leaving their parents and dispersing from the nesting area. As part of my doctoral research, I observed 18 young eagles during this phase of their life. After fledging, the young birds develop their flight skills, but apparently have no interest in learning how to hunt. After thousands of hours of observation, I never saw a fledged eaglet attempt to forage on its own. They fly from tree to tree begging food from their parents. Eventually, the parents get tired of this game and the young birds drift away from the nesting territory. They must eventually learn how to find food on their own.
Where do they go after leaving home? From our banding studies, we know that about 30 to 60 percent travel long distance south along the Atlantic seaboard during their first winter. Young eagles from Maine have often been observed in the Chesapeake Bay region, western Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The balance of the fledged eaglets wander around Maine for their first winter looking for easily-obtained food. About 75% of the eagles survive their first year. By their second or third summer, most return to Maine to stay and eventually nest at age 5 or more. Few of our banded eagles are known to be nesting outside of the state.
Check in on the nest from time to time. You may be rewarded with an observation of "Big" or "Little."
Mark McCollough, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Jane: Yes, I saw this comment in the blog -- amazing reception that these birds have had. Publicizing fledging was bound to create lots of concerns. Landowner assures me there is no eaglet on the ground, and I've asked him & neighbors not to search the woods for a potential rescue: better to let the adult eagles take care of that task / keep the family bond intact. It's quite foggy on the coast July 4 - July 5 am so not likely there'll be much movement there until clearing. I may get to fly that area today so will try to get visuals on the birds. -- Charlie
-----Original Message-----
From: Jane Edwards
Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 1:18 PM
To: Charlie Todd
Subject: videos of Eaglets leaving eagle cam nest
There's a web page that keeps up with the Maine eagle cam and they evidently have been watching the video constantly, because they can go back and compile tapes from it. That issue aside, I thought I'd forward to you the departure of "Big" and "Little" from the nest. Hope you can "play" them on your computer.
I looked at "Little"'s departure very closely on some other video that showed clearly what happened. He flew up, trying to get back in the nest, but he landed on a branch that was way too small for his talons to grasp and get a grip on. When he tightened his talons on it, he spun right around in an upside down position, and then he let go and fell head down. Hope he's okay.
Begin forwarded message:
http://pages.prodigy.net/proddave/Eagles/fallingeaglet.wmv
http://pages.prodigy.net/proddave/Eagles/launch.wmv
So apropos...our both eaglets fledged on the 4th of July! Jane, one of our viewers provided recordings of both fledging events, which can be viewed at the web links below. I am including Jane's report and Charlie Todd's response. No one was in the nest this morning (July 5), but we expect both birds to occasionally visit the nest from time to time over the next few weeks. After they gain better flight skills, they return to the nest as a convenient place to feed and perhaps even roost for the night.
After fledging the chicks stay in close proximity of the nest for a month or two before leaving their parents and dispersing from the nesting area. As part of my doctoral research, I observed 18 young eagles during this phase of their life. After fledging, the young birds develop their flight skills, but apparently have no interest in learning how to hunt. After thousands of hours of observation, I never saw a fledged eaglet attempt to forage on its own. They fly from tree to tree begging food from their parents. Eventually, the parents get tired of this game and the young birds drift away from the nesting territory. They must eventually learn how to find food on their own.
Where do they go after leaving home? From our banding studies, we know that about 30 to 60 percent travel long distance south along the Atlantic seaboard during their first winter. Young eagles from Maine have often been observed in the Chesapeake Bay region, western Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The balance of the fledged eaglets wander around Maine for their first winter looking for easily-obtained food. About 75% of the eagles survive their first year. By their second or third summer, most return to Maine to stay and eventually nest at age 5 or more. Few of our banded eagles are known to be nesting outside of the state.
Check in on the nest from time to time. You may be rewarded with an observation of "Big" or "Little."
Mark McCollough, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Jane: Yes, I saw this comment in the blog -- amazing reception that these birds have had. Publicizing fledging was bound to create lots of concerns. Landowner assures me there is no eaglet on the ground, and I've asked him & neighbors not to search the woods for a potential rescue: better to let the adult eagles take care of that task / keep the family bond intact. It's quite foggy on the coast July 4 - July 5 am so not likely there'll be much movement there until clearing. I may get to fly that area today so will try to get visuals on the birds. -- Charlie
-----Original Message-----
From: Jane Edwards
Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 1:18 PM
To: Charlie Todd
Subject: videos of Eaglets leaving eagle cam nest
There's a web page that keeps up with the Maine eagle cam and they evidently have been watching the video constantly, because they can go back and compile tapes from it. That issue aside, I thought I'd forward to you the departure of "Big" and "Little" from the nest. Hope you can "play" them on your computer.
I looked at "Little"'s departure very closely on some other video that showed clearly what happened. He flew up, trying to get back in the nest, but he landed on a branch that was way too small for his talons to grasp and get a grip on. When he tightened his talons on it, he spun right around in an upside down position, and then he let go and fell head down. Hope he's okay.
Begin forwarded message:
http://pages.prodigy.net/proddave/Eagles/fallingeaglet.wmv
http://pages.prodigy.net/proddave/Eagles/launch.wmv
posted by Bald Eaglecam at 8:35 AM
168 Comments:
Remember, all ... when they update the blog comments, a lot of them will be attached to the earlier June 30th biologist's journal. Right now it has 162 comments. If you look in later and it has more than 162, 163 and above are "new".
They are probably all from us, begging them to tell us what happened to Little, :-)
Thank you so much for the joy I have witnessed in watching the eaglets grow and fledge.
Kiving in London UK, I never get to see such things as these beautiful creatures.
I shall continue to pop by and see if I can see the little ones when they go back to the nest for a rest (hopefully)
Many thanks again and well done for all the terrific work you do.
Regards
Tracy Allgrove. UK.
7-05-06 9:23am (EDT)
Charlie, Jane and Mark,
Thank you all for the wonderful information - the video is like the "Twilight Zone" - where do they go? I've no doubt that Little made it. I was so glad to see Little climb back from that very low limb to the next one up. Sorry to see Little do the "mistep" onto the higher limb and then fall a bit. However, Little may have only been upside down for a moment and then let go and soared off. At least, that's what I plan to think because he/she was very good in bouncing around from limb to limb.
I'll still watch the nest and hope to see some or all of the family within the next couple of weeks.
Thank you all, once more!
July 5 9:30 AM
Jane, I appreciate your comments today(as well as all earlier ones). Have not had much luck with earlier websites that have been posted. See you next year!
Thanks so much for the comments and video. Truly amazing and yet a bit sad to look at the empty nest. Hope to catch the eagles there from time to time. 7-5-06 9:34am.
Thank you all, so very much. This has been an incredible experience. The update will put alot of minds to rest as yesterday there were numerous people looking for Big and Lil and info as to what had happened. We were all pretty sure Big had flown the coop but not so sure about Lil. Will be watching nest for glimpses, hopefully, of the family.
One of the eaglets is back @ the nest right now! Sitting at the edge of the nest facing the camera. Poor thing looks pooped! I'm sure that once he/she catches its breath and has something to eat it will be off on an adventure again!
July 5 @ 10am EST
I'm not sure this is a good birthday present or not..having the eaglets gone....but so thankful for the chance to watch all the videos you have provided us., and to read all the information from all the posted comments. Thanks for the extra site so I could see the "fall"...I too believe "little" is o.k....Hope to see them a little more...but best of luck to you all and the Eagles.
Glenda
Fieldale, VA.
July 5, 10:30 a.m.
Hello,
Was there anyone at the nest to see either of the two eaglets take off, or will we remain in the dark?
There has been more information posted on another forum than there has been, here.
Has anyone looked around the bottom of the nesting area?
What a delight it has been to watch the growth and take off of the eaglets! We almost feel like they are "ours"! The blog has been quite informative. Thanks for all the time and involvement to provide a window on the life of an eagle. Angie
Thanks for the update. If the neighbors happen to see one or both of the eaglets flying about, I hope they'll let you know. The second one looked very purposeful as it flew off - but watching the first one falling backwards was a bit scary, at least for someone like me who hasn't seen a lot of first flights. I will keep checking back to see if they return to the nest - and to see any updates you may be able to provide. Thanks for the website and all the info you provide!
July 5 9:45PDT
Thank you all for the wonderful site. I will keep watching hoping to see some or all of our eagle family again.
Samanda
Weds. July 5th
For what it's worth, based on my experience here, the most reliable times to find Big and Little being fed at the nest are early morning, and late afternoon/early evening. I think all eagles wake up hungry -- and intend to go to bed satisfied!! :-) Of course coastal eagles who forage in the intertidal zone have to contend with the tidal time changes, so may not keep to a schedule as predictable as this. The biologists have said that feeding at the nest only goes on for the first couple of weeks.
Another good time is during the hottest part of the day, around noon to three PM. They might each perch on their favorite branch beside the nest, for an afternoon nap. This goes on here until they leave in the Fall. I have no idea, though, whether this is typical eaglet behaviour. I hope the biologists will comment.
Can someone PLEASE - PLEASE let us know the fate of Little? I didn't see him fall as it happened but saw it on the linked site just this morning. My heart sank. I can only imagine him lying hurt somewhere and at the mercy of any predators. I read that folks in the area reported no 'downed eagle' so can we assume he soft landed on a branch - regained his composure and took off from that point? Or, could he still be in the tree, just much lower down and hurt? Sorry - but this is a mother talking.
I live in St. Louis, far from the nest, although we have lots of eagles who nest around Alton, IL, across the Mississippi from St. Louis.
These two eagles have captured my attention since May. How exciting!
regina
Burke, 7/5, 3pm
Turns out the Hancock eaglet did not fledge yet. Both are still in the nest, however, earlier they were both on branches partially hidden.
Food drop at the nest at 3:38 p.m. so I'm hoping to see the babies fly in for a feeding.
Just say Mom in the nest feeding...was so glad to see something beside an empty nest. I'm hoping our babies are doing well...though I'm concerned about Little...hope someone get's a sighting soon.
3:42PM (EDT) 7-5-06
Mom is in the nest eating her lunch and looking bewildered at times. I doubt birds would converse about 'have you see the kids'.
I'll keep watching.
Mom left the next at 3:52 EDT just after my 2-minute session expired. When I returned to the webcam she wasn't in the nest anymore. I didn't see which way she left.
Gillian in Ottawa
WOW. Two reports of parents bringing food to the nest today. And we saw one do that yesterday. So I think if they are near by, as soon as Big and Little catch on, and can make it to the nest, they will show up there if they see an adult come in with food.
Maybe this is the way the adults have of attracting them back there for food.
All is well.
I so envy the person who saw an eaglet at the nest! Now if we could just see TWO!! :-)
This blog update makes me the happiest I've been since Little fell! Now I can't wait to hear whether Charlie saw them if he flew over today.
4:48p 07/05/06 I see an eagle perched high on a branch. To the right of mid-screen, very high, barely visible. Could be an adult, cannot see the head. I see the tail feathers move and flutter occasionally. Hope it is one of the babies returned.....
4:48 p 07/05/06
I see an eagle perched. Slightly right of mid-screen at the very top. Could be an adult, I can't see the head. I see tail feathers move and flutter occasionally. I didn't see it land, but it has stayed so far for about 15 minutes... I hope it is one of the young ones returned.........
4:45 pm on July 5th...."someone" is just out of view, above nest, patiently sitting with only tips of tail feathers visible....hummm, could it be one of the Independence Day Fledglings? Eagle fanatics still manning the camera....going to be a hard habit to break!
July 5th 5:15pm ET
I see an eaglet in the center upper part of the screen (above the nest)!! Looks like BiG and he looks just fine.
I can't tell if I see the other eaglet (LiTTle??) in bottom center of the screen (way below nest0. Is that the back?? I'm not sure. I don't see any movement from it. Must be something else.
But what looks like BiG (possibly LiTTle??) is definitlely camped out above the nest.
It is 4:15 PM Central & one of the youngsters is sitting on the branch out towards the water. Did not believe they would return to the nest so soo.
There is one eaglet back at the nest right now-sitting on the branch at oceanside. He/she is crying but looks ok. Mom or Dad must be nearby. Hopefully we will get to see a feeding again! Thanks to the biologist team, to Jane E., and all of the other wonderful people that have been watching faitfully for the past months. This has truly been a great experience for my family and I. Hope we can do it again next year! :)
Pat, Burlington Ontario
July 5/06 @ 5:20pm EST
5:23Pm 7/5 Looks like Little back at the nest? Now in full view, but hard to tell size....calling out, occasionally, so assume companion isnt far...or else it's dinnertime MOM!
5:26 (just that quick!)back up above nest, mostly out of camera view...
one of the chicks has returned to the nest crying for some food,probably, don't don't know which one it is. hope Mom or Dad hears it,,, Ohio time---5:35 p.m.
1430 PST -- One of the birds is perched far out on a branch on the far side of the nest( very top of the screen, a little right of center), I can't tell whether it's an adult or a baby. It's almost impossible to see unless it moves or flaps it's wings.
One of the eaglets is back!
See the picture taken by Bandi at Infotec -
http://forum.infotecbsi.com/viewtopic.php?t=6750&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=975
Wed 6:10pm [est]
I think it is Big, hard to tell because I have nothing to compare it to, up in top of tree.
Came down, to the nest, looked on the floor of the nest, I am sure looking for food. played with a stick for a few minutes. Then he went back up the tree over the water. He must be waiting for the parents for dinner.
Good luck
Somebocy's there now sitting on the high branch that they fledged from yesterday. Don't know which one. Don't think it's an adult.
At 6:30 Big? is on the upper branch above the nest, oceanside. So great to see at least one of them. Allow me to join everyone in thanking the biologists and BRI for their hard work. Donation on the way!
Oh my goodnes....I think one of the babies (????? both) are back at the nest....it's 6:36 PM EST. I'm going to continue watching to see what I can determine. Very, Very happy in Hallowell
At 6:30, July 5, Big(?)on the high branch above the nest, oceanside. Great to see one of the babies! Let me join everyone in thanking the biologists and BRI for the privilege of watching this amazing event! Donation on the way!
Still happy in Hallowell....I think it's Big back at the nest. She continues to peck at something - maybe leftovers from the parents or is she just tidying up things?????? Where's Little....any news or sitings on him yet?
It's 6:40 pm EDT and one of the babies is back in the nest! He's eating what looks like scraps left in the nest (from Mom's afternoon delivery maybe?). I can't tell which eaglet it is but it gladdens my heart to see him again!
6:45 EST on July 5... one of the eaglets is back at the nest! Big/Little flew onto one of the big branches above the nest, then jumped down until he/she was on the nest.
Thanks so much to all of you at BRI, and Jane, of course, for making this such a great experience.
BTW -- a little earlier I saw one of the loon eggs hatch. AWESOME!
It's 640 pm EST 07/05/06....one of the kids is home, had some leftovers I think, now perched. May be the one I saw on the high branch an hour or so ago. Would love to see the other sibling today.... I know sighting will be less and less, but would love to know if they both made it through day one.....
7 p.m. EST: Just logged on and was very happy to see one Eaglet sitting on the branch at the back of the nest. Did not see the food drop, but presumably this is what brought him/her back.
Thank you everyone at Biodiversity for this fabulous website and for the education you and the eagles have given us. Do hope you do it again next year. It is wonderful to see comments from people the other side of the world. The web is a marvellous thing.
Thank you again, everybody - bloggers too.
OW from CT
Its 7 PM and there is an eagle in the nest. It looks like Big just sitting on "his" limb. Its so good to see one of the eaglets back in the nest although I am sure it will be gone again shortly.
July 5 7:09PM
Took a quick look at nest and an eaglet is perched on a branch above the nest. Have no idea if it is Big or Little. But one is better than none!
4:15 PDT
Hi I just checked the nest and one of the young ones is on a branch on the ocean side. Looking around and moving his/her beak making noise I think.
Good to see somebody.
Samanda
6:15 p.m. Texas time, one eaglet is on the branch out front of the nest. Sure want to see them both at the same time....
7:20PM (EDT) 7-5-06
So there is Big or Little up on the branch! Wonderful. He's calling for food and looks a bit shabby. Must have had some bumpy air out there.
Welcome home. It sure looks like Little. Seems smaller that BIG did.
7:61 PM EST and one of the fledged eagles is on the outer branch next to the nest. Can't tell which one though. I wonder if it'll spend the night in the nest, I'm thinking it probably will. I'll check first thing in the morning to find out.
At 6:20(EDT)Little showed up at the nest again. 15 minutes later Mom dropped off something for supper and flew off. After eating a good meal, he has hope around the nest and branches-seems in no hurry to fly off.
Weds. Evening
7:25 PM Eastern Daylight time
One of the eaglets is in the nest tree on a branch near the nest and has been there for at least an hour. He has been fed once. I think it's "Big".
He mantled the food, and I think the parent left him alone to eat it. He had his back to the camera, and spread his wings so wide, I couldn't see the parent at all! Couldn't see his own head most of the time, etiher.
As soon as Little is able to fly up to the nest, he will probably learn to come there for food, too. He is probably right around the nest somewhere, perhaps in a tree nearby if not lower in the nest tree.
7-5-06 7:35pm Eaglet at the nest, on the branch, looking toward the water.
7:35ish in va. Just ssaw one of ours, I think Big, on the branch out over ocean. Just sitting there looking and mouth was moving. Maybe callin for others to come??? Nice to see something in the nest. Is it possible that another young eagle would stop at this nest, or just the "4" we've come to know at the nest?
Now, off to the exciting looncam!
July 5th, 4:30 Pacific Standard Time
ONE OF THE KIDS IS BACK, SITTING ON FAR BRANCH OVER OCEAN YELLING FOR DINNER
Burke, 7/5, 7:30pm
Big has been as nest for about 3 hours now. Earlier up on a higher branch and only tail showing, now on his usual lower branch.
Has anyone see Little? Anybody notice if Big ate all the food?
Wow this raising of eaglets is nervewracking!
There is an eaglet on bigs branch, I think it is little, at least I pray it is!!
June 5 7:30 pm in Maine - One of the children perching on the center branch on the water side of the nest - can't tell which one. I had seen some flapping higher up on a nearby branch earlier today. Good to know that at least one of our little wonders is safe and sound. Thanks millions to all who have made the eagle and loon viewing possible - an unforgetable experience.
8;00pm edt July 5
One of the eaglets is sitting on the limb out over the water opposite the camera. Can't tell which one. Makes be feel better to see life in the nest.Falmouth,Me.
I just saw Big on a branch near the nest. Seems to be on the lookout for someone or something. Poor little thing is probably lonesome.
I absolutely loved this site. It has been a big thrill just watching them grow up. Also, it has been very interesting that the parents are so patient.
8:30 Wed. night. Just checked in and one of the eaglets is in the nest laying down and eating something. Can't tell which one. Glad to know one is still around.
Just tuned into the nest and one of the eaglet is there-don't know which one but keeps looking around. I was so glad to see one again!!!
It is 8:30pm EDT there
Someone resting in the nest. A welcome reprieve after a day and a night of being independent. Whoever arrived around 6:30 decided to have a sleepover. Welcome home baby!
8:44PM (EDT) 7-5-06
I'll be up EARLY in the morning to see if a meal is supplied and when/if this eaglet takes off.
This has to be Little, he was too cautious about the branches and kept looking down while on the branch over the water, as if reliving the past.
He called and called for food but I guess the adults didn't expect him back yet.
We're glad he's here, if even for just the night. He finally stretched out in the nest and I'm certain he's needing a good nights sleep.
One of the Kids seems to have returned to the nest for the night!
Hard to tell because of darkness.
8:45 p.m. one of the babies is in the nest. I missed the arrival since I've been watching the loon cam.
Glad to see one eaglet back on the nest doing daring aerial acrobatics at dusk, then settling in for the night! What a treat today has been between this and the hatching of the loon!
I really hate looking at that empty nest! I really miss our eagle family. I am glad they survived thus far and hope they are enjoying soaring through the sky.
I wish Big & Little all the best!
5:18AM(EDT) 7-6-06
Little (I really believe this is he) is up on the branch calling for the folks. He must really be hungry but he had a good night sleeping in his old nest.
Hopefully he'll get a meal and then try his wings again.
Yesterday he was flapping those huge wings and put a lot of muscle into the flaps!
Thursday July 6th
5:26 AM Maine time
There's only one eaglet at the nest this morning, and I only saw one last thing in the evening. It's good, though, that he chose to roost there overnight. I hope the other eaglet will soon be able to join him there. He's stretching his wings now, seems to be waking up!
If I put the volume up on my computer as high as it will go, I can barely hear some eaglet screeching the way they used to do when fed. Oh, boy, he hears it too. Now he's heading over to the ocean side of the nest and looking down.
Flying onto a branch over there, and looking down some more. I think the eaglet that fell is down there lower in the tree, and perhaps the parents are feeding him right at this minute. Now the screeching/peeping has stopped, and the eaglet at the nest is sitting still.
July 6th, 5:40 AM EDT
Hi, Just checked in and was lucky enough to see one of the babies perched out on a limb above the nest on the ocean side. I watch him for a little bit, hoping that the other baby would show up or one of the parents, but I din't see either. But least I got to see one of them. Have a great day.
7-6-06 5:30am 1 Eaglet perched on the branch, crying for food and looking around.
6:07 est there is a baby on the edge of the nest ( I am definitly not qualified to say which one - but I would hazzard a guess at Big)
He/she seems so much more grown up. How nice to see something besides the empty nest - made me smile ! Thanks to all who have made this such an enjoyable journey . I amazes me to think of the people who have the resources to see this, but don't.
On to the loons and I'm also enjoying the storks in Germany.
I don't any will replace the place in my heart for our eaglets. Just a note - my 2 kids moved to Maine right after the Eaglets were born - has been a strange parallel - I'm betting on Little in my family.
Adult flew in with some food at 6:29am edt, 7/6. One of the fledglings had been waiting at the nest and very quickly jumped on the prey.
No sign of a second eaglet.
Greenland, NH
11.42 am UK time...
One of the Eaglets, (Big) I think.. feeding in the nest..
Anyone seen anything of Little yet?
Hope he's ok bless him/her.
Tracy
July 6th, 6:42 AM EDT
The baby is now in the nest. He/She appears to be eating something. I didn't see the drop, as I am watching the loon site. Just trying to help let people know what is going on. Have a great day everyone.
07/06
I noticed last night one of the babies returned to the nest, this morning either mom or dad brought some breakfast. It is almost 7 am est. and baby is still in nest.
It's 7:00 AM and one of the babies is back sitting on a branch. It made me feel so good to know that he/she's fine!
7:05 am on July 6th, one of the two was in the nest.
Thurs. July 5 at 7:04 AM
I can hear an eaglet peeping/screeching if I turn the sound up all the way. There's one eaglet sitting in the tree, and he's looking down. Maybe the other eaglet is below him in the tree.
I know from the pictures and memos on the info tech forum site that the eaglet in the tree was fed not very long ago. Hopefully the parents are feeding the other eaglet now.
http://forum.infotecbsi.com/viewtopic.php?t=6750&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=1100
I hope BRI is going to tell is whether Charlie Todd saw anything when he flew out today.
I wish someone would see that second one . . .
Thurs
BRI --
is there any hope of getting the still cam operating?
the sound?
What did you hear from Charlie Todd about his fly over? Did he see the eaglets?
It's 7:22am eastern time on Thursday, the 6th of July, and there is a young eagle in the nest looking at the camera. It's impossible to tell which one has come home to roost.
7:06am in va One eaglet eating in the nest. Hoping that I will see the other one soon.
July 6
7:33 AM
The eaglet in the tree is eating. I didn't see the delivery, but assume he didn't catch it himself!
IT's great to see one of them there.
There was an eaglet on the nest @ 7:35 a.m. Thursday morning, happily eating away!!
Good to see they are still with us!!
Thanks so much!
Bob & Cheryl MAssachuseets
7:37 am July 6, 2006
One of the eaglets returned to the nest and enjoyed breakfast.
Well, one of the babies is in the nest this morning having breakfast!
Didn't see the food drop; is it possible this baby hunted for itself at this stage?
Pat Burlington Ontario
July 6/06 7:30am EST
7:40am Thursday and one of the young ones is perched on the nest having breakfast. Amazing how self sufficient s/he has become in such a relatively short time. Thanks for making this a possibility for all of us to experience. It has been amazing and educational!
Watching in Hancock County, Maine and hoping to spot these young ones flying over head some day!
7:37AM (EDT) 7-6-06
There's a juvenile in the nest eating now - but I don't know if a parent brought the food. I rather doubt he's fishing on his own already. This one sure looks like BIG - at least the size are more similiar to BIG.
I missed the other juvenile when it left the nest. He was sitting over the water side on the limb the adults use to sit on.
I already have templates (paper) of the eaglets so I can compare them when/if they perch on a particular branch.
This is sure exciting!
7:43AM (EDT) 7-6-06
Mom just flew in and is on the "water branch" - "BIG (?)" has her wings over the prey and doing that protective prey call. The adult is just ignoring this ruckus.
A juvenile eagle was sitting in the nest when I first started observing as I mentioned in my previous blog, then the young eagle hopped on to the seaward edge of the nest, and snacked on food left in the bottom of the nest. The young eagle was joined by a parent around 7:42 am eastern time (Thursday, July 6th), but did not join the young one eating. Instead sat on a branch and watched. The parent left around 7:46 am. The young eagle finished snacking and then perched on the seaward edge of the nest looking toward the sea.
7-6-06 7:54am Eaglet eating. I missed the food drop, but at least the eaglet isn't crying for food anymore.
The video of the last eaglet taking off was captured July 4th around 8:20 a.m. EDT when I was lucky to have just sat down and turned on the Eaglecam. I recently downloaded the free trial version of the software ZD Soft. Because the program is free that is why their name is on the video and unfortunately interferes somewhat with the view. The video of the eagle falling was captured in the afternoon on July 3. And I am still very much worried about that eagle.
Thank you so much BioDiversity Research Institute, The National Wildlife Federation, Charlie Todd, and all others for this exciting view into the lives of these bald eagles and for the excellent information about eagles.
7-6-06 8:00AM (EDT)
My mistake on last post - this is the same juvenile that was here yesterday and spent the night - the template matches and I just looked at some feathers that seem rather unkempt.
Mom left about 5 minutes ago, and this juvenile ate a very large breakfast - entire fish that would be about (comparing his size) 1/4 as long as he/she.
From the looks he/she is giving the tree and surrounding areas I'd say this one will soon fly out of the nest. But surely it will return soon.
I think I have spent as much time looking for/at the babies now as I did when I knew they were safe.
At 7:00a.m. Maine time, one baby still in nest and adult there assumably with food. Still guessing it is our baby "Big".
Any signs of our "Little" one? Have to leave for work now at 8 a.m. and one baby still comfortable at home. Updates would be welcome as we all may need time to adjust to the empty nest!
July 6th
For those who are wondering why we might not be able to spot the second eaglet if it is lower in the nest tree -- especially with binnoculars --
We do NOT go that close to the nest tree that we can see up into all the branches from all sides. Often I can't see eagles on some of their favorite perches on the other side of the nest tree here, because I view them from one particlar point, at the edge of a woods, across a rather large field.
They are accustomed to me showing up there, and not alarmed. However, if I were to cross that field headed toward the nest, they might be. If I were to go crashing through the woods and try to approach them from the other side, they would really be alarmed!
Since this nest is on the shore, I'm assuming that with binnoculars the land owners could scan the open spaces under the tree and see that there was no eaglet on the ground in the open. But they probably can't see the side of the tree that faces the ocean, or the side away from their house.
It's enough to know that the eaglet isn't on the ground. This means that he either landed in the tree, or if he landed on the ground, he wasn't severely injured. He was able to fly off into either that tree or another one, and get off the ground.
July 6 7:48AM
Single Eaglet in nest at 6:15. Left shortly after. Eaglet and parent in nestat 7:45. Parent left and eaglet remained. Eaglet moved sticks and then perched on Little's
favorite branch.
Silver from VA: 0800 7/6 and there is an eaglet back in the nest. I watched the Richmond eagles and they showed back up at the nest almost every day for 2-4 weeks after fledging. I checked in last evening and saw someone sitting on a higher branch. Just because we can't directly see them doesn't mean they aren't around.
Went on this morning(7/6) to see one of our babies sitting out on a branch. I think it was Dad that came in around 7:30 am and brought something to the nest. No sign of the other one.
Thursday 7/6 8:30am [est]
? is it Big or Little in the nest
on the cam side of the tree.,On Littles favorite branch?
I think "big" is back in the nest. I saw him there yesterday afternoon and he is still there this morning. Guess he needs "food". Sure wish we could see "Little".
Burke, 7/6, 8:45 am
Little in nest on his/her branch. Looking for food. He has to get his timing right, Big was there last night after the food drop and looked very content on his branch.
But it is good to seem them both safe and know that Little is okay after his tumble.
Yipee...one of the babies are back, not sure which one it is. Looks very tired and is casually looking around. Oh, such good news. If someone else is looking now, let me know which one it is...this is only the second time I've written something...but I have so enjoyed reading up on what everyone has to say. My heart was broken, when I saw "little" fall..so I'm hoping it's him. In any case, just glad to see one of them up there!
Well...one of the babies are back!...not sure which one though. It might be "little". Looked right at the camera.
Just saw ? "big" on the branch closest to the nest. Thank you all for sharing this wonderful experience. My whole awareness of the natural world has been reawakened.
Lucy
July 6 9:45 am. One lone eagle sitting on the branch. Must be Little since it's her favorite perch.
Twice today have seen a small boat near the nest site, there is one eaglet perched beside the nest and a chap on the boat is looking up at the nest.. Is it anyone offical checking to see if they can see little?
Really worried about the little fella, hope he's ok..
Is there any news on him/her?
Thanks.
7/6/06 9:48 AM EST
I see, I think it is "Little" in the nest, well, on the outer edge of it, this morning. Just "hanging around".
I see one of the eaglets roosting at the next this morning: 9:49 AM EST.
It's July 6th at 10:11 am est. One of the babies is at the nest! I can't tell which one it is
07/06, 10:20 a.m. One eagle is back on the limb. It is probably Big. Still hoping and waiting for news on Little.
I very excited to turn my computer on this morning,to see that one of the eaglets had returned to the
nest (9:27 am CST). The baby is sitting on the limb that
Little liked to sit on (camera side). She is not moving at all on the limb...not flapping.
Perhaps this is Little?
I have learned SO much about this
fabulous creature, and thank all
of you who make this possible for
all of us to witness.
Landy
Houston, TX
One of the eaglets has been in the nest since early this morning, first sleeping on the floor of the nest, then perched on various branches of the tree. It looks alright. Which one is it? And has anyone discovered the other one alive and healthy or ...?
7/6 9:00 PDT Eagle in the nest, might be Little but hard to tell. Looking for food but none in sight so far. The little Hancock eagle has an injured foot but it appears to be minor.
Oh, how OUR babies have grown. I, also, am a little bit sad to see them fledge the nest. But we can't keep "the kids" home forever. This is an experience none of us will soon forget. I know I speak for all "watchers" when I say THANK YOU to EVERYONE that was involved in this project and FOR giving us the chance to experience wildlife as nature presents it.
We wish you GOOD LUCK Big and Little!!! We won't forget you!!! Hugs!
It's Noon Central Time on July 6th
One eaglet is on ocean side branch. It is looking to me like its right wing is hanging down abnormally. It doesn't move it at all - in fact at first I thought it was both eaglets together - the only movement is of its head. Could someone tell me what they are seeing at this time. Could it be a broken wing???
10:23 pst 7/6
WHERE IS LITTLE? IT HAS BEEN 3 DAYS SINCE HE FELL BACKWARDS OFF THE SIDE OF NEST.
Thurs July 6th
1:53 PM
The eaglet in the nest seems to be very anxious to go down to the branches below him. He is standing on the ocean side edge of the nest looking way down over the edge.
Wow... as I wrote, an adult came in with food. Maybe before that he was looking at food being delivered below.
He is manteling (sp) the food, and the adult had a hard time getting away from him. The adult hopped over him to this side of the nest, and evidently was carrying some food. He then went back over in front of the eaglet and is eating something, even though the eaglet is spread all over the rest of it-- or over SOME thing. The eaglet even spread his tail feathers out like a huge fan. His wings are down on both sides.
The adult is even offering to feed him some now, and he is still manteling!
Finally the eaglet resumed a half way normal position and began eating, but he still wants to mantel the food to protect it from the adult, more than he wants to EAT it.
Not sure it makes sense any more to describe what we see as I guess they aren't going to update the comments.
Okay, what just happened? One of the eaglets has been on the nest since yesterday...I have been watching on and off. One of the parents just landed with food and attacked the eaglet! That parent is eating as I write and the eaglet is huddled in a subservient position. I can't tell one eaglet from another. I have only seen one eaglet on the nest at a time so I don't know if the little one who tumbled has been back...does anyone know?
Mom was just in to feed 1 of her kids
July 6 2pmedt
Adult and one eaglet feeding on the nest. Has anyone seem both eaglets?
2:15PM (EDT) 7-6-06
Is there an update available? One young eagle returned yesterday and at times a parent is present. Is the status of the other young eagle known?
Thank you.
7/6 About 10 am PDT mother flew in with a fish, (Big had been waiting for almost an hour)and proceeded to eat most of it. Big sat back and waited until she was finished and flew off. Then he ate his portion.
Is it usual behaviour for a parent bird to attack a fledged eaglet when the adult brings food back to the nest? I thought for sure the eglet had been killed when I witnessed this behavior. This eaglet has been at the nest since yesterday, late afternoon. Since I haven't seen the other one, I'm afraid it wsa killed or injured in the fall. Isn't there anyway to find out??? Why can't the neighbors check the tree for an injured bird? If it's injured it should be rescued. This is very depressing. Rhode Island
I am looking at the young eagle in the nest. Which one is it? What I am hoping is that it is the little one. I just need to know in my mind that the one that fell is ok.
It seems to not want to leave ever again. It just wants to be fed.
If you watch the video, shortly after "Little" falls (about 9 or 10 seconds into the video) you can see a commotion in the branches below where he fell. Hopefully, he was able to catch himself there and just decided to sit still for a while, so he didn't get into any more trouble. LOL!!
Thanks to everyone involved in this project. You have brought joy to many!!
3:45 pm Thursday
Every time I have checked today, one of the eaglets has been in the tree or nest. At one point, around mid day a parent appeared. I have been a silent follower of these little guys since April and haven't quite been able to let go.
4:46PM (EDT) Jul 6-06
Juvenile on branch over water - using my paper template, this one is taller (tail to head) than the one I saw yesterday. I cannot see the left wing for the white feather pattern nor the one tail feather that seemed askew on yesterday's juvenile.
Charlie, who's in the nest? This morning I thought it was Little, but he has been back and forth on the branches. Maybe he perched on a lower branch the other day and just made back up to the nest yesterday afternoon. I guess we just need to know if you have seen two.
Information please!!!!!
Thank you.
what are some other eagle cam sites?
July 6, 6:25pm Seems like every time I leave the loons and check this site, I see one lone eaglet at the nest. Wondering if it's Little or Big? Also hoping to have an update on our eagles and if anyone knows more about the babies. Has anyone seen TWO for DINNER?
I thought that one of the wings looked strange. I think it is little because it was always a little lazy and always sleeping, and I noticed that it was being lazy. I hope that it didn't injure itself.
I sure wish that they would give us an update, and why don't they zoom the camera in sometime?
Thursday evening July 6th
Thank GOODNESS they updated the blog. But it was very disappointing not to hear any news of Little.
I am so grateful to the person who thought of making the "patterns" of Big and Little, so her or she could measure them. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we were seeing one of them and then the other of them alternatively? Until I see them together, I won't be really reassured, though.
Two reports of an adult attacking a juvenile, and in the nest, is very disturbing. Please Bucky, or some biologist, could you please tell us about this? Why would they bring food to the nest, and then try to keep it away from the young? Or why come to the nest to attack the young when all you have to do is stay away from them?
Are they tired of the duty of feeding the young, or just trying to teach the young to let them eat first? Is this a common eagle practice?
I didn't see the attack but one blogger said she or he was afraid the eagle wouldn't survive it.
July 6th, 6:52pm Both eaglets were there last evening and then they appeared to be snuggled together in the nest as it began to get dark. It was obvious that there were two of them. Again this morning they were both there. Since then, I have only seen one, even when 'mom' came with lunch. Interesting that when the food was dropped, which ever eaglet it was, pounced on the food, spread its wings over it and just about laid down on top of it. "It's mine and you can't have it back". 'Mom' seemed to take this in stride. There must have been some other food in the nest because she started to eat something while her little darling continued to protect his meal.
7:04PM (EDT) 7-06-06
WOW! I hear you talking on the live cam! You're wonderful - I reckon this is Charlie?
I think this is LITTLE - do you?
7:06PM (EDT) 7-06-06
Forget that last blog - there was another video playing on my MOZILLA brower. hahaha - sorry folks. Thought we had sound restored!
Just the same - I believe it is LITTLE we're watching.
From 24 to 164 blogs - BRILOON sure has been swamped.
Thursday evening July 6th
Thank GOODNESS they updated the blog. But it was very disappointing not to hear any news of Little.
I am so grateful to the person who thought of making the "patterns" of Big and Little, so her or she could measure them. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we were seeing one of them and then the other of them alternatively? Until I see them together, I won't be really reassured, though.
Two reports of an adult attacking a juvenile, and in the nest, is very disturbing. Please Bucky, or some biologist, could you please tell us about this? Why would they bring food to the nest, and then try to keep it away from the young? Or why come to the nest to attack the young when all you have to do is stay away from them?
Are they tired of the duty of feeding the young, or just trying to teach the young to let them eat first? Is this a common eagle practice?
I didn't see the attack but one blogger said she or he was afraid the eagle wouldn't survive it.
Just viewed the clip of Little's fall......but already knew that he/she was alright. Have been watching since late May since an e-mail from NWF and have been watching as much as I can ever since. Was hoping they'd fledge on July 4th! So fitting. And yes, I am saddened to see the empty nest after all this time... I guess I'll just have to wait until next year!
Thurs. 7:19 PM E.D.T.
Four or five new messages got posted on the earlier biologist's journal. Have almost done that several times myself. It's easy to scroll right on by the end of the most recent biologist's blog.
Thursday evening July 6th
7:28 PM
I just saw the eaglet on the nest "fly" from one branch forward to a smaller branch in the branches over the water side of the nest. Three or four body lengths... hard to estimate distance in feet or yards, but he definately flew, although it was a short distance.
For those who have wondered whether one of his wings was "injured", he was flapping them all around before he made that "flight", he flew, and he's flapping around over there, now. I am sure his wings are basically okay.
I thought he was going to fly off, just the way he did the other day.Of course one of these days he will! If the parents keep picking on him, he surely WILL.
FYI Front page of Richmond Times Dispatch today,7-6-06, feature story about VA's 700 eagle chicks this year. Up from 18 chicks in 1977. WOW! www.TimesDispatch.com
I have empt nest syndrome!!
Am I the only one who has "empty nest" syndrome?
Glenda from Fieldale, VA.
Today I haven't been able to see anything!!!...Why does my computer always act up when you all see so much??? First the still image was out, and still is, then the 'live' video wasn't--live.---then the Media Player wouldn't /couldn't run!!! That putfile site that I fouond is not our eaglets...they are in an oak, I think and ours are in a pine...
I hope I can "SEE" something tomorrow...I even clicked on it at 9:20 just to see what it would show...of course nothing...black...
Hope to hear answers to some of the questions above soon...
Glenda
7-7-06 4:37AM (EDT)
My paper template was okay - it's just that the juvenile was on a different branch - I STILL believe this is LITTLE.
His actions and hesitation to take to the air would convince most folks this is LITTLE. Big has already fledged - just soared off the branch without help.
Most likely Little used his climbing ability and beak to climb upwards. NOW he won't leave - maybe lost some confidence?
He'll make it, he's flapping those 7 foot worth of wings and getting fed; has a nice cozy nest at night - what more can a teen ask for? It's daybreak and he's still in prone in the nest.
Most likely when you cannot see him, he is behind the "fat" branch on the left (about 1/3 into frame) on what appears to be a thinning branch (of the one they used to sit on out over the water). You'll see his tail feathers, and or at least one talon holding on.
This is fascinating!
July 7 @ 6:30 a.m. Maine time - We can all rest easy for the moment. Both fledglings are visible! One center top branch and one just in view on the upper branch, right side of picture.Such a relief to see both at the same time.
7-7-06 7:02AM (EDT)
Little (or whomever) has had breakfast delivered and seems to be doing a good job of finishing the fish. It's probably a nice change that he doesn't have to be in a hurry to complete his meal.
Friday morning July 7th, 7:49 Maine time
Still one eaglet, nothing to report.
When you log on to the video cam, could you watch for any views of the parent eagles swooping downward from the nest as though they might be going to the other eaglet on a branch below, or swooping up from below, or circling or flying past the tree at a point lower than the nest?
Also, if you see the one in the nest hanging over the edge looking down and/or acting as if he sees something down there, or as if he wants to get down there himself?
I'm sure you WOULD, but I'm just looking for positive signs that the other eaglet is down there!! :-) Would like to keep the video cam on for longer, myself, or more often. It's very tempting, since the still cam has been down for so long, and there is not a word of news about "Little".
8:39AM (EDT)7-7-06
Still only one juvenile in nest - adult came in a few minutes ago and juvenile covered the food with wings and started screeching. Adult now walked over and decided the bold move again and is eating - I can't see yet if any is being offered to the juvenile but he ate earlier this morning.
Food drop at 8:20 AM July 7. Parent bird seemed to be very interested in something below the nest on the camera side...hopefully it's the other eaglet. This one has been at the nest for two nights now...never leaving, as far as I know. I saw the parent bird 'attack' the eaglet yesterday...it literally dragged the eaglet away from the food then sat and ate it while the eaglet manteled. The parent bird has left but the eaglet doesn't seem very interested in whatever the parent left...it is only 'picking' at the food which appears to be a small rodent. Will the sound ever be fixed??? 8:30, parent at nest again, eaglet manteling, parent looking over nest on camera side again...very interested in something down there. Maybe it's 'Little'?
Rhode Island
7/7/06 8:35am
!!!Family sighting!!!
One of the parents is at the nest and the two eaglets are eating. Hard to believe that 3 months have flown by (no pun intended!) so quickly!
Thanks to BRI and their sponsors for allowing us this incredible opportunity to witness the life these magnificent birds ... and, let's not forget, the death of a baby eaglet. If you haven't made your donation to BRI this year, please do! Only through the generous support of us "viewers" can we hope to see another Bald Eagle family next year.
And to everyone who has made this such a great experience - biologist and bloggers alike ...
Eagle you fly across the horizon
Into the misty morning sun
Nobody asks you where you are going
Nobody asks where you're from
Now you fly through the sky
Never asking why
Friday July 7th
8:30 AM
I thought I saw two eaglets, too, in exactly the positions you mentioned, and I talked myself out of it, decided the one way up on the branch almost out of site was a clump of pine needles/small branches instead.
I wish I could remember what time it was. It had to be around seven AM or a bit after, Maine time. You saw them at six thirty AM Maine time.
I sure hope you're right!! It would mean a lot to see them both at the same time, and know both are all right!!
Friday July 7th, 8:40 AM Maine time
I just NOW took a look... there's definately two in the nest, but one is a parent. If there were a second eaglet around wouldn't it be in the nest? I can still see that dark "figure" I thought was an eaglet at the top of the screen right under the letter W for Windows in WIndows Media player.
The eaglet who's there is so puffed up, manteling, that I can't see past him but I don't think there are two eaglets in there. He better stop manteling and start eating if he wants to eat anything. The adult is eating fast.
Sheryl - I'm with you on the hopping back up into the nest - I didn't see him fly in either and feel this is Little - his demeaner etc are too similiar.
7-7-06 8:47am (EDT)
Burke, 7/7/06 - 9 am
Parent and one eaglet eating. Happy to hear that two were spotted together in the next earlier.
Friday july 7th 9:05 AM Maine time
Adult on nest with young. for as long as I could justify staying on the video cam, he/she just kept eating, while the young waited on the other side of the nest.
Many thanks to the person who explained how the costs work. No wonder BRI has been concerned. I wonder if the backers offered up more funding, or they found a wealthy backer, or if we contributed enough to cover it? I also wonder why they didn't explain how it worked and answer our question themselves? Maybe it wouldn't have seemed "appropriate"?
Greetings all!
What an exciting couple of weeks we have had. Thank you for all your blogs. I am just catching up on all that has happened since I have been in the field for the last 6 weeks, but have been keeping up to date via my cell phone.
There have been a couple changes I wanted to address. First regarding sound. We have purposely turned it off and it will remain off for the rest of the season. Also at the moment I am locked out of the computer on site so I am unable to change the camera location or fix the refreshing still image, but I am working on fixing it.
Thank you all for your support.
Wing Goodale, BioDiversity Research Institute
Friday July 7th
By the way, I agree with Mark that eaglets when first fledged don't try to find food themselves. When I described that, I probably should have specified that we see it later on in their development, probably at the end of the summer, or beginning of Fall. I hadn't actually given the timing of it any thought until now.
The book by Stalmaster describes it, and says it happens in the "intermediate stage" of fledging. It's hilarious to watch, I can tell you that for sure! They wouldn't make it if their parents didn't continue to feed them for a long time. I wish you could all see it! :-)
The eaglets here follow their parents to the shore and observe their parents fishing, fairly soon after they both have fledged and fly around pretty well. I think they learn where fish come from, and the basic idea of how they're caught, by observation. But maybe I'm anthropomorphizing or whatever it's called!! (Attributing human experiences to eagles behavior!!)
There are two eaglets in the nest this morning!!! Am I seeing double or is it really true?
Very unusual nest behavior. The parent was on the nest for well over an hour and appeared to eat all the food that it had brought. The fledgling tried to cover it...but finally retreated to the branch nearest the camera where it sat for over an hour with its head bowed. It finally manteled...on the branch...then hopped onto the nest and did the same. Did anyone see the baby actually eat anything? I didn't but wasn't on the site the entire time. The parent finally flew off and, instead of eating, the baby just layed down and is now sleeping. It has been in the nest for over two days now...I hope it isn't injured. Also, earlier, one of the parents, when leaving the nest, swooped down instead of flying straight out...maybe to a lower branch...to "Little"? I was very disappointed to read that the sound will not be turned back on...but at least we can still SEE the nest.
Burke, 7/7 - 10:40am
One eaglet sleeping in nest -- I really think this must be Little since he/she did not leave the nest willingly and was not ready to fledge. This eaglet has not left the nest area since getting back up there Wed. afternoon. Perhaps the biologists and/or Jane could confirm that once they fledge they only make visits to the nest and do not stay for indefinite periods of time.
Also, could the people who thought they saw two eaglets in the nest confirm that. When I looked in at one point one eaglet and parent were eating but it looked like the other eaglet was there until one moved and I saw it was just one and parent. Also, parent went behind tree for a while and it was difficult to tell if it was parent or eaglet.
Again, thank you all for reporting what you see, it really helps since none of us can be on all the time.
Must admit I've never watched this cam enough to be able to tell the two apart, but I'm wondering how sure people are that the one that fell was the little one and the one that flew was the bigger one?
It seems to me that the one that fledged downwards (somewhat abruptly) wouldn't have had enough flying practice yet to fly into the nest from below, especially landing on branches above the nest where the returnee was first sighted, while the one that fledged upwards might have spent most of its time either on higher branches of the nest tree or a neighboring tree before returning to the nest. It also seems unlikely that the lower eaglet could have climbed into the nest and then moved to the upper branch without being spotted - I think enough of us were checking in regularly while the nest was empty that someone would have noticed its progress.
Can anyone tell if the parent who's been spending time at the nest is the male or the female? That might also help tell the size of the eaglet - at least if the eaglet would stop mantling for long enough to stand side by side for a comparison! :)
Thanks again to all the folks who have made this possible - I'm really enjoying this glimpse into another creature's world, even if it is a bit stressful at times.
JudyB Friday 7/7 11:50 am EDT
Friday July 7th
around noon
A theory about the adult eagle attacking the eaglet -- did the father have to teach that huge eaglet to stand back and give him the respect a parent is due"??
Remember that blog entry about what can happen to the father eagle because he is smaller than the eaglets about the time they fledge? I looked at that video, but I can't find the entry now.
Maybe the father had to teach his teenage son that even though he's bigger and taller than his Dad, and more hungry, has more hormones ... he still has to treat his Dad with respect.
If it was the father eagle, I'm going to accept it, because I will never forget how careful he was to be sure Little got osmething to eat, when the mother could have cared less.
When I think about how those eagles sat on that nest all that long time to hatch those eggs, and sheltered those little downy chicks from the sun and wind and rain, and gently tore off small pieces of prey and let the chicks take it right from the side of their beaks .... I have to think there was some logical reason why the parent did what he did.
I sure wish Bucky or Mark or Charlie would comment, though.
Is it normal behavior for the eaglet to lay in the nest all morning? I'm afraid it is injured...is that its wing I see sticking up? I read several posts that said they saw both eaglets in the nest since "Little" fell...are they sure it wasn't an adult? No one else has reported seeing both of them...I watch all the time and have never seen them together since that terrible incident.
For those of you "from away" (as we say in Maine) I am pretty sure that Wing Goodall is the BRI web master. Perhaps you can find this out somewhere on the site, but thought I'd make the link for those who wondered. The fact that he's been in the field for six weeks would explain why the blog only gets updated once or twice a day, probably just before he heads out and just after he gets back.
3:15pm july 7. Just checking in and saw one eaglet in the nest. No sign of the other. I went for a boat ride about an hour ago in Oakland and was able to spot 2 of our 3 eaglets. They were in trees near the nest tree. I really didn't look hard to find them so I would imagine the third one isn't too far away. Also observed a loon family....one chick on the back of the adult. Sure makes having a camp on a lake exciting!!
Does you think that someone - for example, the neighbors that reported on the fallen eaglet last week - could post if they can see the missing second eaglet anywhere? Somewhere the camera can't see? For seems like it would re-appear in the two days it's been gone. Would just be nice to know of it's whereabouts/health, etc.
I too have been watching since the beginning and have everyone at work here in California checking in on my "Babies"
What a wonderful experience. And I'm afraid I will be suffering from "Empty Nest Syndrome" for sure. But as is with our own children, we have to let go to grow. I wish them all the best and thank everyone for sharing as well.
Thanks for making this possible. Carol
Thank you so much for making the poem available after my request. Much appreciate to all of you for what you do so well. Judy/S.Calif.
this is the most awesome cam. I just can't get away from it. couple of days ago I tuned in for first time in a while and shortly thereafter they both came in for a landing. afraid I'll be here daily thru the summer now.
sharon from montana
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