Eagles 'branch' out and make first flight

Well, as you can see from this image, the eagles have left the nest! Following about a week of exploring nearby branches around the edge of the nest the eagles have taken their first flight. They will remain in the area of the nest during the weeks to come as they develop the ability to fly. The adults will also continue to feed them and they will likely frequent the nest for perching and feeding.

Unfortunately, we have lost the internet connection on site but we anticapate solving the problem in a few days. In the meantime, you might check in on our ospreycam where ospreys are growing fast and on our looncam where you can hear the sounds of Maine's wildlife live.

Also, because we recieve many questions about where eagles go after departing the nest I would like to direct you to our wildlife tracking page where we have outfitted several eagles with sattelite transmitters that document the movements of birds. This is an ongoing project and we anticipate having two more birds come online later this summer.

Until next time,
Patrick Keenan
BioDiversity Research Institute

Eagles preparing for their first flight!

Hello, I am happy to report that these two eagle chicks appear to be happy and healthy. As we enter their tenth week they have been flapping their wings...an important method of developing breast musculature and preparing for their first flight. In the coming weeks you should see these birds 'branching'--moving to the outer edges of the nest and perching on nearby limbs. This is the final step before testing out their wings for the first time.

Many thanks for your interest in the webcams and don't forget to post with questions. Have a wonderful day.

All the Best,
Patrick Keenan
BioDiversity Research Institue

Eaglets are growing fast: Warm weather!

Hi All,
I was very lucky to have to make a visit to our on site computer today. I got an early start and was pleased to arrive safely on an unseasonably warm day in late-May. When I approached I could hear the sounds of eagles at the nest amid a constant breeze. I recorded video while I dealt with a few computer issues. Checking in on the image now and then I glanced at the video feed I saw a chick wrestling with what looked like a six foot eel in the nest.

It is amazing to see how quickly these eaglets are growing. Now at 6-7 weeks they appear to loaf around the nest bowl. Occasionally they stretch and flap their wings. In only a few weeks they will begin to consider making the leap into flight.

Please join us on youtube for video highlights of my visit to the site (several videos)...the webcam still offers the best view of the nest!

Until Next Time,
Patrick Keenan
BioDiversity Research Institue

Chicks are nearly one month old!

Hi All,
Well...it has been too long! Seeing these eagles care for their young has been tremendous. Have you noticed fish piling up on the edge of the nest at times?

I have received various queries about the eagles being left alone in the nest. Not to worry, this is normal especially given this spring's mild weather.

These chicks are now nearly about four weeks old. As you can see they are moving around the nest bowl more readily but still possess downy gray feathers--their contour feathers are yet to begin to grow in but should start to grow in the coming week or two. These birds still have a long way to grow! It will be six weeks from now (perhaps more) before they are likely to make their first flight!

Let's keep our fingers crossed for these birds and enjoy peeking in on their journey.

Thanks for all your interest and support.

Wish you the Best,
Patrick Keenan
BioDiversity Research Insitute

Two Chicks!

Hi All,
It is wonderful to see these two chicks already growing fast. As you are probably aware the second chick or 'eaglet' hatched last Friday afternoon. The pair has been very active at feeding these young and keeping them warm and dry. This is critical because the recently hatched chicks are unable to regulate their own body temperature. They rely on warmth from the adult eagles.

Well, please keep in touch with comments and questions and enjoy these birds!

Best,
Patrick Keenan
BioDiversity Research Institute

Eagle chick 'number one' has hatched!

Hello Everyone,

If you haven't hear the news then I am happy to report to you that the first eagle egg has hatched on BRI eaglecam2. It hatched sometime during the night. In the image above captured by JO in our online community (thanks JO), you can see the chick on its first day being fed by an adult.

As may be apparent eagle eggs hatch asynchronously usually two or three days apart. This strategy gives the older bird a head start and better chance of survival in years of food shortage.

Well, I am sure that everyone is looking forward to watching the season continue to unfold. Enjoy a wonderful day!

All the Best,
Patrick Keenan
BioDiversity Research Institute

Eggs could hatch soon!

Wow! Time has been flying. These eagles have faced several storms and by all accounts they have done well to protect their eggs from harsh weather. The eagle laid the first egg on March 8th...that means that eggs could begin to hatch as early as this weekend! Admittedly, it will likely be sometime next week but we'll have to keep a close eye on these birds...especially given the fact that they have afforded us only brief glimpses of the eggs over the past weeks!

Please keep watch and update us with your observations!

Until next time,
Patrick Keenan
BioDiversity Research Institute