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M15 and F23 make themselves scarce much of the time as E23 becomes more independent and assured. They drop by to check on savvy E23, who keeps an Eagle eye out for their arrival. E23 anticipates food coming in when Dad or Momma approach the nest tree and expresses vocal disappointment if no food is delivered. They are encouraging E23 to follow them to their favorite hunting areas. E23 takes longer and farther flights throughout the area in search of them. M15 and F23 continue to supply meals for E23.… Read More »swfec nest notes: E23-practicing and perfecting skills

M15 and F23 impart the best of their abilities to E23, who readily absorbs them all. E23 experiences many situations, masters milestones, and gains skill and confidence. E23 has been free-flying for just over two weeks and has roamed the bounds of the territory. E23 has imprinted well by watching Dad and Momma and storing all the lessons to carry along the way. E23’s accomplishments include flying with strength and purpose to evade the bothersome birds. E23 skimmed over the ducks on the pond either in hunting mode or protecting… Read More »swfec nest notes: e23-mastering milestones

M15 and F23 enjoy E23’s adventures as much as E23 seems to. F23 was perched in the nest tree when E23 fledged, and M15 rewarded E23 with a fish. Since that eventful day, E23 has not missed a beat or tree in the pasture. E23 is a fabulous flyer and has ventured to places near and far. Each day is a new journey, and E23 is finding interesting and exciting places to explore. E23 discovered the pond, hesitated at the edge, dipped a talon in the water, and then got… Read More »swfec nest notes: e23-finding new adventures every day

M15 and F23 observe and encourage E23’s progress through the stages of Eaglet life. E23 has been an exceptional learner and breezes through with honors. E23 sprouted from a tiny fuzzy Hatchling to a curious, active Eaglet to a brave Fledgling in 76 days. E23 branched at 62 days old and has been on the move since. E23 flap and fly hopped to most of the nest tree branches, high-hovered above the nest, and made it to the treetop. E23 jumped, overshot a lower branch, hung upside down briefly, and… Read More »swfec nest notes: e23- a hop, skip, and jump from hatchling to fledgling

M15 and F23, one from the high in the nest tree and one from afar, watched as E23 bravely hopped up to the veranda branch. E23 perched comfortably and preened while taking in new views. E23 was 62 days old at branching ranks among the younger Eaglets who branched previously. E23’s other big first was spending the overnight alone. M15 and F23 were possibly roosting nearby. M15 and F23 presented E23 with food gifts for achieving the milestone. M15 brought the roadkill opossum right after E23 gracefully dismounted from the… Read More »swfec Nest Notes: e23 braves the branch and enjoys the view

M15 and F23 appear to be pleased with E23’s development and progress over these last eight weeks. F23 dotes on and watches over her endeared E23. M15 is devoted to his role as caretaker of them all. F23 has been a phenomenal Momma to E23 and a remarkable partner to M15. Together, they are raising E23 into a beautiful and brilliant young raptor. M15 and F23 keep up the encouragement as E23 masters many milestones. E23 is curious and attentive to all the activity around the nest and pasture. E23… Read More »swfec nest notes: brilliant e23 is eight weeks old

M15 and F23 utilize all their valuable instincts and skills to provide for and protect E23. In turn, E23 imprints and absorbs all the lessons that will serve E23 well in the nest and beyond. E23 curiously studies the birds and life outside the nest. E23 stands cautiously close to the edge and bravely peers at the horses below, watching the world go by. M15 and F23 deliver a diverse menu for E23, who eagerly mantles and grabs the incoming meal. E23 is improving on self-feeding techniques, but swallowing a… Read More »swfec Nest notes: E23 is seven weeks old and moving up in the world

M15 and F23 continue their stellar nurturing and care of E23, and the resulting progress is remarkable. F23 has a special bond with her not-so-little-baby, and their interactions are endearing. She is very protective of and patient with E23. She checks in frequently with E23, sits in the nest, and offers cover from rain and sun. E23’s head is the only part that fits beneath her. E23’s stature is impressive compared to Momma and Dad’s size. M15 and F23 have watched as E23 has surpassed many milestones over these six… Read More »swfec nest notes: e23 breezing through milestones

One year ago was the last sighting of legendary Eagle Mom, Harriet. The sadness of her loss became lightened by the exceptional feat taken on by M15 in raising their offspring as a solo Dad. The years Harriet raised families with her devoted mates are memorialized throughout every turn in the territory. Harriet and M15 constructed the existing nest that holds promise for a future that Harriet would likely approve of. Fly the heavens with the Great Spirit and all who have come before and will come after you, Beautiful… Read More »swfec extra: remembering legendary eagle mom, harriet

M15 and F23 devote all their attention to four-week-old E23 as they grow stronger by the minute. E23 preens constantly as thermal down feathers have replaced most of the natal down. Darker Juvenile feathers (contour and flight feathers) are bursting out all over. Studies have shown eaglets at four weeks are about six pounds with feet and beaks nearly adult size. Wings may span 22 inches, and little tails are about two inches long. Standing upright on their feet usually doesn’t happen until around six weeks. E23 stands, takes a… Read More »swfec nest notes: e23- four weeks old and growing strong