immature eagle

Tag

By Branching!

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!

By Surprised

Jordan Lake. First Nest. SURPRISED! Indeed Captain Doug and I were very surprised at First Nest this morning because as the nest came into sight Captain Doug and then I could see that there were TWO chicks – yes TWO chicks in the nest. We had decided a couple of weeks back that there was only one chick in the nest … opps! I don’t believe I have ever gotten into the ninth week of chicks in a nest before I discovered that there were actually two in the nest. Eagle puzzles challenge me all the time.

By Growing!

Jordan Lake. First Nest. The chick is certainly growing rapidly! The bald eagle is one of the fastest maturing birds known. It looks like this fellow is now about 8 to 9 weeks old. He is looking all about for his parents. The chick appears to be very well fed but when you’re a youngster … you know how it goes … you want food now!

By First Nest Intruder

Jordan Lake. First Nest. Mom Kate was in the nest feeding a chick or chicks. A bald eagle fledgling flew into the cove. I quickly saw that it was not one of the fledglings from First Nest from last year. Mom Kate and Dad Bard were also sure it was not one of their offsprings either.

By Another Triplet Visits!

Jordan Lake. First Nest. Another of last year’s triplets visited its home nest! This time it was the biggest of the 3. Pine cones clustered near the young eagle’s head can make seeing the eagle a chore. In last photo Bard is flying right over the youngster after barely giving it a glance. Interesting!!!