CCB EagleTrak

Mr. Lukei: Are the parents continuing to provide food for the fledgelings? How are the fledgelings taught to forage for themselves? How long does it take for them to become totally self-sufficient? Is an 8% emaciation rate considered high for raptors?

Susan – Yes the eaglets are still being fed by the adults. Yesterday HE was fed at the nest. NBG staff have seen them being fed away from the nest at a location known as “the dump” where the vegatation scraps are taken. The young mainly learn from their observation of their parents. They will be on their own within the next few weeks. Some do not survive, but I do not know how many die from emaciation. I rescued 3 Osprey last week that surely would have died from emaciation. One because it was out of the nest too soon and two because the adult female died in the nest and the male was bringing fish but not feeding them. It does happen.

Thanks for your response, Mr. Lukei. Since the eggs appeared in the nest, I’ve checked in every day for my “energy boost”. As they stretched their wings they became “Show Off – HK”; “So So – HE”; and “Slow Mo – HH/Azalea”. I’ve become a “mother hen” questioning my chicks development! A BIG thanks to you and all your work.