Jordan Lake. First Nest. Captain Doug and I had slowly circled the First Nest cove and had not seen any bald eagles – adult or fledglings. We turned to float back out of the cove when out of a very very tall tree popped one of the fledglings. It was sure good to see it out flying as if it owned the skies!
Jordan Lake. Mom bald eagle brought a rather large fish to Captain’s Nest. Within minutes one of her fledglings showed up to claim it. Mom had removed and probably eaten the fish’s head before the nest delivery. Now the fledgling has to figure out how to lay the fish down, put a foot on it and tear a piece off in order to eat.
Jordan Lake. First Nest. Do not, I repeat, do not blink! I saw the first fledgling pop up out of the trees so I turned to follow it. Then realized the second fledgling was also in the air. By that time I had lost track of the first one. So like I said don’t blink … this is the second of the two fledglings. Hopefully in the next couple of days I’ll get pictures of both of them together!
Jordan Lake. First Nest. This is a black-and-white rendition of Mom Kate carrying a fish to the nest today. I still do not know whether or not the second chick has fledged! I either see one in the nest or two in the nest, or one in the nest and one in the air. So until I can see both of them in the air at the same time, I’m still up in the air about both having fledged, so to speak.
Jordan Lake. First Nest. One of the chicks has fledged! Here it is out and flying! I glanced back at the nest and the other chick was still in the nest and looked like it was pouting and wanted to be out flying too. I’m sure it will be in another day or two or three.
Jordan Lake. First Nest. “Oh, one of the chicks branched,” exclaimed Captain Doug as we came into the cove and could see the nest. The chick that is upper right in the photo is the one who has branched. Bald eagle chicks practice branching as the last step before they actually fledge. They hop, flutter, fly up to a branch above the nest. That way the chick gets some practice in using its muscles & wings while it still has the nest below as a safety net. This is the last step before the chick will fly away from the nest for the first time. Branch, chicks, branch!
doc ellen's journey 