Nearly ready…..
Nov 11th, 2008 by Duncan
….. to fly the coop. I paid another visit to the Sea Eagles’ nest this morning to see if the youngsters were visible, after missing them the other day, and visible they were. One was on a branch beside the nest, while the other was a bit more adventurous and had perched higher. One of the adults was also perched, and I got pictures of all three, although I had to back off a fair distance to get the one by the nest. The parent eventually flew and gave me the chance of a flying shot, this time I caught it with both wings spread for the camera. We are intrigued with the pale patch on the juvenile’s breast, both young birds were displaying it, and if anyone can explain, we’d be very interested, please leave a comment.
Press F11 for full screen and click photos for full size.
Great shots Duncan!
Believe it or not I just found a CSIRO article on the growth of plumage from chick to juvenile in the wedge tailed eagle, it describes in the Day 77 chick on the day of fledging having only one patch of down left, that being a small patch on the central upper breast….could this correlate with your sea eagle young’un? Looking forward to seeing you for my first birthday on Friday, Gramps!
How exciting to see the two youngsters and an adult too. Its a great shot of the adult flying. Will they stay close to the nest for a while or go elsewhere asap?
Nice set, Duncan.
As to white chest patches, I’ve no idea. Not seen the like before. Perhaps just a quirk peculiar to the breeding pair and their offspring?
Cheers, Dave!
Well, who’s a clever girl then! Bonnie, it could be that you have just added to our knowledge of the White-bellied Sea Eagle, just think how clever you’ll be in twelve months when you’re two, and then the sky will be the limit! Love, Grandpa.
Mick I feel they won’t go far away from their territory for a while, and then the young will probably disperse.
Tony, my one year old grand-daughter may have found the answer, see above.
G’day DF,
Well done – a successful fledging, congratulations. Great shots too.
Regards,
Gouldiae
Thanks Gouldiae, very pleasing.
Fabulous shots of the young and adults. How wonderful to have those breeding on your doorstep (so to speak). I’m insanely jealous! (-:
Hi Jenny, you just made me stop and think, yes we are very lucky to have these birds breeding locally in an accessible spot. Long may they continue.
Hi Duncan
Nice shots, esp of the unusual patch of feathers, (or down).
If Bonnie keeps up at this rate, there will be nothing left for we Bloggers to debate in about 5 years. Very impressive work on her part. Presumably genetic influences at work.
Cheers
Denis
PS I have just guided a new member from the Birds in Backyards forum to your site, and Gouldiae’s blog. Name of “Soames”, from Toora. Not sure if that is anywhere near you, but the query was if there were other birders in Gippsland.
Cheers
Denis
I don’t even remember seeing a bird when I was one
Hi Denis, Toora is a fair distance away, not far from Wilson’s Promontory, some good birding down that way.
And Alan, I have a slight suspicion that Bonnie may have had her mum’s help in finding that info.
Wow, incredible photos Dave. And an incredible one year old Grandchild. I couldn’t get my daughter to type until she was almost 18 months old.
Thanks Clare, obvious that you and my daughter know something about raising children!
Excellent captures of the Sea Eagle and the chicks Duncan! What a gorgeous bird of prey. Being Thanksgiving Day here in the states, I find many things to be thankful for and as Jenny said, having these magnificent birds close enough to observe and photograph is exceptional.
I had the pleasure of watching a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks nesting and raising their young near me this last spring and am lucky enough to have some photographer friends that took some great photos of them as well. Watching the behavior of the nesting pair through the nest building, courtship, mating, brooding and raising of the young is truly enlightening. I will write a post on that experience very soon.
Hi Larry, thanks, yes, I am extremely lucky to have this pair of beauties nesting so close. I’ll look forward to your post with interest.