Journey North Bald Eagle Migration

Posted Wednesdays: Feb. 4, 11*, 18, 25*, Mar 4, 11*, 18, 25*, Apr. 1, 8*, 15, 22*, 29, May 6(* Migration Data Only)

	May 6, 2009 At the end of our tracking season, we have learned that these 4 birds act like individuals. Although all were trapped in NY, 2 of the eagles have been sitting on nests for a couple months, but the other 2 are putting on a lot of miles above Canadian landscape. Compare 4 years of migration maps this week. What do they tell you about eagle behavior? And a BIG thanks to Peter Nye and Glenn Hewitt for their work and contributions to Journey North!
	April 29, 2009 Try to imagine the view from above as the birds search for safe and productive habitat this week. U25 appears to be homing in on her area, in central Labrador, but our other migrant, U21 continues to move about in Ontario. Explore how eagle adaptations give way to human invention. And learn how duties are split between the male and female eagle parents during nesting and raising young eagles.
	Bald Eagle Migration Update: April 22, 2009 The migrating eagles seem to have one thing on their mind; their nesting grounds. Another week and the birds that are still moving have continued on their pathways. Compare their paths with 2008. All eyes will be on the Norfolk Botanic Garden eagles this week when the eaglets are banded. Find out what spells trouble in the nest, according to Peter Nye. And explore feathers and molting in this week’s slideshow.
	April 15, 2009 Conditions were great for eagle migration this week. The birds have covered a great deal of territory. Compare their routes. Two of our birds are sitting tight, maybe feeding eaglets by now. Watch the eaglets in the nestcam as they grow and interact with each other and the adult birds. What can you learn about nest behavior? How are these little eagles built for survival? Examine one in detail, and find out some interesting facts.
	April 8, 2009 Our bald eagles are well on their way for this spring 2009 migration. Warmer temperatures create thermals that help them soar towards their nesting destinations. U 27 and S28 may just be sitting on eggs already. They have held steady locations for quite some time. Compare 2008 with 2009 to see if they have chosen the same nesting sites this spring.
	April 1, 2009 There is more migration action this week. All our eagles are now in Canada. S28 must have chicks in the nest. Watch the eagle nest cams for an interesting look at eagle behavior. Oklahoma bald eagle has 3 chicks less than one week old. Explore the dot on the map to find out more about eagle habitat. And view a sighter's bald eagle nest in MO.
	March 25, 2009 Today’s eagle map shows some surprises. Three of the eagles have started on their spring 2009 migrations! How far did they travel each day? Use the scale to calculate daily and total miles flown. Will U21 continue to fly east? What were their routes the past 2 springs we have tracked them? Nye tells us they have a ‘fidelity’ for the same route. Study the maps to help you predict.
	March 18, 2009 While we wait for the eagles to migrate, we’ll focus on nesting. This is the time of year when eagles from many parts of the country are feeling a strong, and natural, instinct to breed. Who builds the nest? How do they do it? What is it made of? What does an eagle nest look like? This week we have some good reading about eagle nests. Take notes and get ready to write about what you learn. Keep an eye on the eagle cam in Norfolk, VA.
	March 11, 2009 There is a noticeable change on the map this week. The birds must be feeling the longer days and getting the urge to head north. How do you capture an eagle for tracking? Watch a slideshow of the release of U27 after she was fitted with her PTT. Photographer Jon McRay captured an amazing display of flight as two eagles lock talons and cart-wheel through the sky. Watch an incredible act of nature. Learn more about it.
	March 4, 2009 Is it time to head North? Or, is it longer daylength that brings restlessness to the birds when March arrives? Let’s watch U25’s movements on an animated map this spring. Citizen reporters share their eagle observations and you can learn about eagle behavior from them. And, tune in to an eagle camera focused on a nest complete with 3 eggs at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Photo: Jon McRay
	February 25, 2009 The eagles continue to hold their positions, except for U25. Find out where she is and predict where we will find her next week. How do we identify eagles in the wild? Find out about a neat way that biologists do this. Satellite technology offers us a valuable look into the habitats of the eagles. It is a tool to help us protect them. Learn more about reading sighting location data and find out how to tell time, GMT time.
	February 18, 2009 This week we take a close look at eagle eyes. Find out why a “bird’s eye view” is so exceptional. Did you know bird eyes sometimes weigh more than the bird's entire brain! Learn about their 3 eyelids and how they protect the bird. Follow U25 on her amazing migration journeys for the past 3 years. And don’t forget to submit your questions to Ask the Eagle Expert! Photo: Jon McRay
	February 11, 2009 As our eagles settle into their winter grounds, we take a look at fall migration behavior. Satellite technology allows us to study the past 3 fall migrations to compare route and departure date for our eagles. Will their flight itinerary be the same all 3 years, or will it be different? Do the eagles have internal calendars? Let’s explore! Photo: Jon McRay
	February 4, 2009 Welcome to the 2009 Bald Eagle Migration Study! Our eagle expert, Peter Nye (Eagleye) shares his greeting, and challenges all to follow and compare this year’s eagle movements with past seasons. Meet the eagles, read an introductory booklet, and read about the history of the bald eagle population in NY State. And, start collecting eagle vocabulary today with your very own glossary!
	Welcome to the Bald Eagle Migration Study: Starts in February Get ready for the trip! >>