Migration Update: April 18, 2007

Today's Report Includes:


Climbing the nest tree: What will Pete Nye find at the top?

Eagle Migration: Map, Data, and Questions
  • This week's migration map >>
  • Data for your own classroom map >>
  • Questions about this week's map (handout) >>
Highlights:
The adult Bald eagles are racking up the miles so far this spring! We see some movements and some settling. U21 appears to be searching! U27 seems to be stopped in her tracks. There's a good chance she is back in the same nest as last year. U25 appears to be the winner in the distance category this week. Will the huge spring storm system over the Northeast stop her or push her further and faster? Stay tuned!
Journal Questions: Traveling with U21

A Bird's Eye View: Traveling with U21

How would you describe U21’s migration so far? Her migration route is so unpredictable. It is like a mystery! What do this series of maps make you wonder?

  • Why does she back-track on her route?
  • List the things that might make this eagle travel back and forth on her migration.

Is she traveling the same route she took last spring (2006)? >>

Explore: Peek into a Nest with Pete "Eagle-eye" Nye

Slideshow >>

It is now mid-April and many New York eaglets have hatched. It is almost time for Peter Nye to visit the nests!

Many volunteers help locate all the active nests. They visit each nest site every year. Once a nest tree is located, they put an aluminum predator guard around it. This protects the young from raccoons who climb the nest trees and kill the eggs or young. Up high in the nest the eaglets are banded, and everything is carefully inspected. What a view! Come along and climb a nest tree with Pete Nye.

  • Read carefully. Write some new facts in your Bald Eagle Journal >>

Visit a nest site >>
Think: Survival in a Wild Habitat
Journey North for Kids >>

New York eaglets are born in early March when weather can bring cold rain and even snow. They must be tough to survive. Eagle babies have many important physical characteristics to help them stay alive.

From the funky head feathers to the bulging crop, each part of the chick's anatomy helps to keep the eagle alive.

Look closely at this eagle chick. What amazing facts can you learn? >>
Record them in your journal.


View from the nest >>
Links: This Week's Eagle Resources
  • More: Bald Eagle Nesting Phenology (a more comprehensive look) >>
  • Lesson: Chore Chart for Raising Eagles: Duties for Male and Female Adults >>
  • Reference: Comparing Male and Female Eagles >>
  • Mapping: Bald Eagle Migration Map Archives >>
  • Journal: Bald Eagle Journal >>
More Eagle Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Bald Eagle Migration Update Will Be Posted on April 25, 2007.