The Two Harbors Eaglets decided to go swimming yesterday. They were rescued by Harbor Patrol. One was found a half mile offshore -- I don't think it would have survived on its own. Youngsters do get into trouble sometimes. One of our Norfolk Eaglets took a dunk in the canal one year. Here's a link to a forum post with some sketchy details about yesterday's rescue.
There are some questions in this post about an Eagle's ability to take off from the water. Bald Eagles catch fish by flying low to the water and grabbing them from the surface. (Sick fish will float near the top of the water, making them easy to spot and catch.) If a Bald Eagle ends up in the water, it can't get enough lift to become airborne and has to swim to shore. There are several videos on YouTube of swimming Bald Eagles. They are actually very good swimmers. But I would still think that a half mile would be a bit much, for even an experienced Bald Eagle. I don't think a newly fledged Eaglet would make it.
Osprey are different hunters than Bald Eagles. They will hover in place, spot a fish, and plunge into the water. Their wings have more 'cup' so they can then take off from the water.
I have no idea how these Eaglets ended up in the water. I'll post again if I find out more...
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