Baby Bald Eagles About to Hatch Live!

[makgirl]

Check 'em out now.  They are amazing.

[Elk]

They are amazing. I am amazed at how big they are already. Only 3 weeks and they are developing nicely.

This has been very fascinating. Thanks to everyone for the updates. It reminds me to check in once in a while. 

[makgirl]

Look how big their talons have gotten!  When they walk, they look like little girls trying to walk in high heels.

[Naughty pines]

I can not view the nest today, is the site down or what?

[makgirl]

Still pretty darn cute...all three huddled together. 

NP:  I log on to ustream when I boot my computer and leave it on all day.  They haven't been down since it snowed last week.  Perhaps it is an internet problem on your end?

[Wrightwood]

I haven't had any issues with it connecting.

[makgirl]

they look like they are getting more vocal..."where's our lunch, mom?"
The youngest one taking refuge between his older siblings.
http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

[wrightwoodgirl]

Has anyone seen the mother on the catalina two harbors cam shes been gone over 14 hours?

[makgirl]

Whoaa! I was gone for less than a week and when I return, they are HUGE!  Beaks getting big, and their coat is a different color!  Still love 'em....

[makgirl]

They must be in that awkward teenage "Goth" stage- they look like vultures!  

http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

[makgirl]

They are huge!  But still awkward.  Keep watching!

[makgirl]

They are unrecognizable as the babies I fell in love with 3 months ago, but wow, they still are incredible.

http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

[makgirl]

latest on my "babies" that are not babies anymore.....
http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

p.s. must be raining there now, they are all standing in their nest shaking their heads.  pretty funny.

Banding
RRP hopes to band these juvies and place a satellite transmitter on one of them. The juvies will be captured on the ground a couple of weeks after they fledge. The small band with its identifying color and number goes around one of the ankles and does not bother or endanger the bird. The transmitter is mounted loosely and comfortably like a tiny backpack, and it does not interfere with flight or with head or neck movement. The process takes just a few minutes and does not frighten or harm the birds. It is possible to take measurements of the juvies as they are banded to determine their sex. Banding eventually gives researchers information on how far the bird has flown from its birth nest once it has died or is found injured; the band might also be spotted during feeding, nesting, or migrating and thus can be useful in tracking the eagle's movements. The transmitter will allow researchers to track the juvie regularly via GPS and will yield invaluable information on its behavior. The transmitter is designed to fall off after a few years. Banding and placing the transmitter will be done by Bob Anderson, Director of RRP, and other raptor experts who have banded many birds before and who always follow the safest protocols, and who will have obtained the required permits to do so.

[Wrightwood]

they are all standing in their nest shaking their heads.

Made me dizzy 

[makgirl]

they really don't like that rain, eh? 

[lagomorphmom]

Back after a few days and all have branched! Most beautiful afternoon pic today of them AND mom & dad all FIVE together on a couple of limbs of their tree. Just awesome. Good job, mom & dad.

[ForestGal]

Fascinating info, makgirl! Very interesting to me, how short a time period baby jays fledge (a few weeks), vs a few months for larger birds such as these.  Makes sense, I guess.  What beautiful creatures!