Did I mention I was behind on my stories? The eagle babies are growing! Here is the Northeast Utilities System Update from their web site:
Peparing to fledge
The eaglets have already grown very quickly since hatching on April 10 and 14. The younger eaglet is quite a bit smaller than its older sibling, but the parents are feeding both eaglets regularly, so both are getting adequate nutrition. Over their first three months of life, their hatching weight of about 100 grams will increase to around 4,000-5,000 grams — gaining as much as 180 grams a day. See just how quickly they have grown from week to week in the 2006 Picture Gallery.
The eaglets go through three different types of plumage as they grow. They have already outgrown the first downy stage, as well as the second "sooty gray downy" stage. The eaglets now show their Juvenile plumage which has grown in most rapidly on the back, shoulders, breast, and especially on the wings. Unlike adults, the eaglet has a bluish black beak and dark brown eyes, while its feet are bright yellow and its talons are black.
After seven weeks, the eaglets can flap their wings to get a boost into the air over the nest. They may hold on to a branch while flapping vigorously, which is good exercise to build up flying muscles. Trampling, treading and prancing around the nest strengthens leg muscles. Exercise like this is important, and increases as the eaglet grows older. At around nine weeks, the eaglet may perch on branches near the nest. Several weeks later, they will leave the nest for good. Watch the live streaming feature for an opportunity to see these activities.
Until then, enjoy the Eagle Cam images as the adults will be reliably present every time you log-on. NU, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MassWildlife and the other Eagle Cam partners hope you enjoy this glimpse into the natural world of the bald eagle, and join you in wishing the birds a very successful nesting season.
Here's a cool picture from their web site showing an eaglet dude playing with his wings.
Here's a picture of my TV, MCTV Montague Channel 17, showing the little eaglet dudes snoozin. Earlier I saw one try to flap his wings, but then a puff of wind knocked him over. He must have been embarassed.
This just in! Mommy Eagle brought fishy snacks!
Score!
And now the fishy has no head.
