Re: This morning, Wednesday April 15

Posted by Trisha on
URL: http://bald-eagles-of-broward-county-florida.17.s1.nabble.com/This-morning-Wednesday-April-15-tp2639812p2651222.html

 I have really been looking for evidence of the family flying around together and so far really haven't seen it. When the young come into the nest followed by or just before an adult it is almost always preceded by calling that sounds like it comes from the trees behind the nest and to the west. I guess it's possible that they could be flying together and as they approach the nest the kids get excited and call because its mealtime.....but it just seems more like a greeting. It also appears that whenever an adult leaves the nest, it is to preen alone in a pine and then fly off solo.

 It really would be so interesting to compare data on urban eagles to those completely in the wild. Even though it doesn't seem like the adults are afraid or bothered by cars, humans, etc., maybe it makes them more cautious and protective in handling the eaglets once they fly? I keep remembering what the first FWC officer said that came to look for Hope the first day.....some young eagles don't return to the nest after their first flight. Also, I've read from Ken and others that the hunting is more instinctual than taught. With ours...that may not kick in until the parental food delivery shuts down. Another factor could be that food is so plentiful in the range area that the adults can find plenty to feed both themselves and their young for a longer time than at other locations. It's fun to speculate, if nothing else!