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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

M15 and F23 keep E23 well nourished, and the results are showing. Three-week-old E23 seems to be developing at record speed. E23 has changed immensely since last week and continues to do so daily. E23 is seen, peeking above the nest rails. Thermal down appeared just in time for colder weather since E23 hardly fits under M15 or F23 for warmth. E23 flapped their sprawling wings for Momma to see the new pin feathers emerging. M15 and F23 protected E23 from all the elements. E23 has experienced wind, rain, cold,… Read More »swfec nest notes: e23-three weeks old and growing

M15 and F23 took exceptional care of their not-so-little E23, who turned two weeks old. E23’s growth progresses rapidly from all the frequent feedings by Momma and Dad. E23’s appearance changes daily. E23’s feet, wings, and little tail are bumping out all over. E23 has new thermal down emerging to allow thermoregulating and spending more time in the open air. M15 or F23 stand watch as E23 scoots around the nest, picks at nesting, and discovers new sights. M15, F23, and E23 have become a well-synced Family, eating together on… Read More »swfec nest notes: Family Time for m15, f23, and e23

M15 and F23 are adjusting as doting parents of their treasured eight-day-old E23. Momma seems captivated by her little, fuzzy baby. She checks E23 often and keeps them safe and warm. Dad happily and readily takes his time to brood E23. When the weather turned cooler and rainy, both kept E23 and the nest toasty and dry. The specialness of being an only Eaglet is getting all the attention. E23 basks in all the extra care from F23 and M15. M15 and F23 have perfected their exchanges on baby duty.… Read More »swfec nest notes: e23, eating, sleeping, growing

M15 and F23 welcome E23 to begin a new journey of life as a new Eagle Family. E23 broke out into the world at 7:07 am on December 31, 2023. F23 gave E23 a boost free from the shell as she placed a talon on it. F23 looked at her precious baby and touched it gently with her beak. She quickly covered E23 for warmth and protection. M15 arrived with a stick and started work on the crib rails. F23 seemed annoyed and wanted to keep him away but rose… Read More »swfec nest notes: Welcome E23, A New Year, A New Journey, A New Family