A Fledgling’s Tale, There and Back Again

Since fledge day, H58 has been back to the nest. She mostly returns when prey has been delivered, right on time for a free meal. While perched on the high branch on the morning of May 19th, viewers were treated to another close look of H58.

Perched just under her was her little brother, H57.

H59 rested in the nest alone.

That evening, H58 slept on the high branch. H57 spent time sleeping on the mid branch. H59 had the nest.

May 20th, H58 was back and forth to the nest tree. She did spend much time perched with her siblings.

H59 is right up there on the branch with siblings. Confidence is slowly building in this one.

With 3 big eaglets sharing 1 branch, moving around siblings is tricky. Watching a game of leapfrog, a watcher must be fearless. So must the eaglets. Dig in your talons and duck when big sister comes flying over your head!

Sticking landings for a new fledgling can be tricky too. H58 found that out the hard way the morning of May 21. She came flying into the crowded nest fast! Since both siblings were there, landing space was limited. 

She couldn’t stop, and overshot the nest. She tried to hold onto the branches of the nest.

She lost her grip, and gravity took over. She flapped hard as she fell through the leaves and branches of the nest tree, her siblings looked on. 

The forest under the nest tree is full of saplings and many other plants. Hopefully she had a soft landing. Viewers held their breath all day. Was she OK? H57 and H59 looked for their missing sister too.

Later that morning both adults brought prey to the nest. A feeding frenzy ensued.

At one point the female called out. Was that an invitation for H58 to get up and join the family? 

H58 never did show up at the nest for lunch. H57 and H59 ate their fill.

Soon after the adults left, all got quiet. Everyone waited and wondered what happened to H58. Just before 6pm, dinner was delivered. H57 flew down and laid claim to it.

H59 joined the feast. Then to everyone’s surprise, and relief to viewers, H58 flew down to join the family for dinner. 

Eating her fill, and having a full crop she flew up to the branch.

She hesitated for just a bit, then took off, looking strong.

The eaglets were in for another wet day. As the rain continued to fall, H57 and H59 sat together on the branch. Distant eagle calls could be heard. Parents? H58? The siblings practiced their wing flapping and moving on the branch. H59 took a slip, but caught herself and held on. 

H59 finally made it to the top perch and sat with her brother.

When food is around, look for H58 to come home.

After all the eaglets had their fill, they sat together on the branch.

This afternoon, the cam panned the area. H58 was not seen, but it sounded like she was near. H59 and H57 were on the branch flapping together when they heard the cam. It does make a slight noise as it is moved. They stopped flapping to take a look, but soon ignored it.

They have all grown into beautiful birds. Over the next 5 years, their feathers will slowly change to show a bright white head and tail. The bill, now dark, will also slowly change to yellow.

Young eagles are curious and will play with things in and around the nest. Sticks are moved around, and turtle shells (in past years) are explored. Branches and leaves of the nest tree are also something to check out. H59 did just that this afternoon. 

The nest is not empty yet. Viewers have plenty of action yet to observe. H57 and H59 are just turning 12 weeks old. H58 will continue to fly and return home. She may also be off cam view, perched in another tree calling for her siblings to join her. Have your volume up to listen for her. Watch for her siblings to react. H57 looks like he wants to go but H59 is still hesitant. Is he waiting for her? Will they fledge together? We all keep watching.