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January 2022

SWFEC Nest Notes: Expanding All Over

E19 and E20 experience rapid growth of their tiny bodies that were about 3 ounces at hatch and are inching closer to Mom and Dad’s weight. They are standing, taking more steps, and gaining better balance and leg strength. Dark juvenile feathers emerge everywhere, especially on their beautifully growing wings that look like artists’ brushes. Cool and breezy weather prompts E19 and E20 to begin exercising and flapping their expanding wingspan. Harriet and M15 make sure E19 and E20 are well-nourished, contributing to their tremendous growth. Mom and Dad deliver… Read More »SWFEC Nest Notes: Expanding All Over

SWFEC Nest Notes: Growing Tall and Strong

E19 and E20 turn four weeks old, are about a foot tall, and weigh 5 to 6 pounds. Their wingspan is nearly 2 feet, and juvenile feathers are popping out. Wiggly tails are almost 3 inches long, and big yellow feet and beaks are close to adult size. E19 and E20 are on a swift path in their development and are growing tall and strong. Harriet and M15 hunt far and wide to bring in prey for their ravenous babies. A wide variety of food has been brought to the… Read More »SWFEC Nest Notes: Growing Tall and Strong

SWFEC Nest Notes: Eat, Sleep, Grow

Harriet and M15 seem to delight in the progress of their precious E19 and E20. So far, life has been mostly about eating, sleeping, and growing. E19 and E20 change in the blink of an eye as dark thermal down replaces the light fluff. Juvenile feathers begin to emerge on little wingtips.  E19 and E20 begin to discover and practice new innate behaviors and learn skills. Harriet and M15 perch above E19 and E20 as they scamper freely around the nest, peek above and through the nest rails. E19 and… Read More »SWFEC Nest Notes: Eat, Sleep, Grow

SWFEC Nest Notes: Two Weeks Old and Sprouting All Over

Harriet and M15 watch as their precious Eaglets turn two weeks old and sprout out all over. E19 and E20 have thermal down emerging to help them regulate their body temperatures. Feet and wings seem to be growing faster than other body parts making them look awkward. They are almost too big to get under Dad and Mom for shade from the Florida sun or warmth over the cool nights. Harriet and M15 deliver plentiful, nutritious food that contributes to the tremendous growth spurts E19 and E20 are experiencing. Feeding… Read More »SWFEC Nest Notes: Two Weeks Old and Sprouting All Over

SWFEC Nest Notes: A Fascinating Family of Four

Harriet and M15 welcomed E20 on 12-28-2021. E20 entered the world in full view with eyes wide opened and ready to go. Dad came to the nest to see his sweet baby emerging as Mom fed E19. The very next morning, E19 and E20 greeted each other with a few bops back and forth as the tussling began. They are, after all, young raptors, programmed to be assertive. They each hold their own as they engage in their antics. They learn quickly and observe all that goes on in their… Read More »SWFEC Nest Notes: A Fascinating Family of Four