Berry College Eaglet Day 54, Nest Cam Round-up: Berry Bluebird, White Rock, and Loch of the Lowes, Bald Eagle KE's Last Check In (Ever), Hunting with Golden Eagles, Tug-O-Squirrel

Today is day 54 for the Berry College Eaglet. The feedings have become interesting as the baby takes more of an interest in self-feeding (and the Mom is reluctant to give up being the provider.) First, Mom is feeding the eaglet:

The baby is watching closely, thinking, "I can do that!"

The baby reaches over and takes the fish:

The fish is now in between the eaglet and Mom:

Mom takes it back and resumes feeding the eaglet. This picture is also a good chance to compare their sizes:

Another good size comparison picture. Baby is getting big:

The eaglet is so keen to learn from the adult, wanting to get right in the middle of the action as the adult rummages around in the grass:

Eaglets always go into this too-close-to-the-edge mode. Maybe there is an innate rebellion against confinement that propels them to take that first leap when they fledge -- and also to stand way too close to the edge before they are ready for the big leap:

We are seeing some more wingercizing. I expect to start seeing much more of this as the eaglet reaches full size and starts building flight muscles.

Once again tonight, the eaglet is in the nest alone (preening) and Mom is perched on the same branch. Looks like her head is tucked under her wing. Sleep well Mom!

The Berry College Bluebird nest has another egg today. A normal clutch size is 4-5 eggs, with extremes to 2 and 7. Four is the normal for a first year Bluebird. The Mom will continue to lay an egg a day until the clutch is complete, then she will begin incubating. All of the eggs will hatch on the same day -- 13 to 20 days after the start of incubation. I write all that and then pop in (I thought) to take a s'cap of the three eggs tonight and instead find Mom incubating... I guess we are getting three eggs.

We have a wet day at the White Rock nest. It usually looks like another day in paradise, but even paradise needs rain...

I have to catch the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Loch of the Lowes nest in the morning here in order to see daylight there. Maybe Saturday or Sunday...

 

Bald Eagle KE checked in. For the last time. Her transmitter fell off! This is surprising since they estimate the harness will last about the same amount of time as the battery operates -- about 3 years. She wore her transmitter for less than two years. She never did return to her natal area. I have speculated before that females wander more and males spend more time finding a suitable territory in which to settle down and build a nest to attract a female. KE's wanderlust plays into my theory. I have stated that my theory is based upon a very small sampling, so take it with a grain of salt... Fly free KE and scratch that itch now that you can reach it!

 

My friend Minnie (mishmash) on the Norfolk Eagles Forum pointed out this amazing story about a girl in Mongolia hunting with a Golden Eagle. It's a great story with some amazing pictures.

 

Here is a hilarious video out of the Southwest Florida nest from yesterday. I mean, lol funny! Mom and her fledgling both want the last bite of squirrel. All I can say is, squirrels are tough!