Hi All,
I've gotten a series of questions regarding the terms branching or fledging. Branching refers to the hopping about and jumping from branch to branch around the nest. Fledging refers to the birds first flight and generally results in the bird landing in a different tree or on the ground. At this point I have observed one of the birds launching into its first flight but have not yet confirmed the other bird. This observation is perfectly in line with our expectations as these birds are now almost 12 weeks old.
The immature eagles will remain in the area and in and near the nest throughout the next two months or so while the parents continue to feed them. Many thanks for all of you comments. Let's hope that the birds continue to fare well!
All the Best,
Patrick Keenan
BioDiversity Research Institute
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
So much activity!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
More rain amid fledging preparations...
Hi All,
Many thanks for your many questions and comments. It has been wonderful to see these birds beginning to stretch their wings out and gain increasing balance. The next few weeks will be very exciting as these birds prepare to leave the nest. The time from hatching to fledging (first flight) can vary for eagles across their range. For eagles in Maine ten weeks is typically when young birds attempt their first flight. Based on hatch dates of May 7 and 9, I have estimated that these birds could fly as early as July 17th.
Once again the duration of time int he nest can vary. This year has been cool and we have had record amounts of rain. As you might have guessed, this weather does not accelerate growth rates for birds and other wildlife as it often makes food more difficult to find and can slow the rate of growth as birds must use energy for creating heat rather than growing.
No doubt that time will tell as the next weeks pass us by. So enjoy the images and have a wonderful few weeks watching these birds.
All the Best,
Patrick Keenan
BioDiversity Research Institute
Many thanks for your many questions and comments. It has been wonderful to see these birds beginning to stretch their wings out and gain increasing balance. The next few weeks will be very exciting as these birds prepare to leave the nest. The time from hatching to fledging (first flight) can vary for eagles across their range. For eagles in Maine ten weeks is typically when young birds attempt their first flight. Based on hatch dates of May 7 and 9, I have estimated that these birds could fly as early as July 17th.
Once again the duration of time int he nest can vary. This year has been cool and we have had record amounts of rain. As you might have guessed, this weather does not accelerate growth rates for birds and other wildlife as it often makes food more difficult to find and can slow the rate of growth as birds must use energy for creating heat rather than growing.
No doubt that time will tell as the next weeks pass us by. So enjoy the images and have a wonderful few weeks watching these birds.
All the Best,
Patrick Keenan
BioDiversity Research Institute
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