Journey North Bald Eagle Migration

Posted Wednesdays: Feb. 6, 13*, 20, 27*, Mar 5, 12*, 19, 26*, Apr. 2, 9*, 16, 23*, 30, May 2 (* Migration Data Only)

Photo: Jon McRay

Final: May 7, 2008
A big thank you to our eagle scientists as we wrap up another year tracking eagles in the NE. The eagles have scattered across NE North America over the past 5 weeks and appear to be settled into their summer grounds. We know they are located near water. Imagine their nests as you view the EagleCam chick and calculate when it will accomplish many firsts. And review a gallery of fun and fact to remember the season.

Photo: Jon McRay

April 30, 2008
The migration appears to have come to a close for some of our eagles, but not all. Both U21 and U25 are still moving. Check out their map locations this week. Let’s take a look at the physical adaptations of the eagle and compare them with human inventions for survival. How will you score with the comparisons? And gather all your vocabulary in an eagle glossary so you can communicate like a scientist.

April 23, 2008
Eagles are racking up the miles as they scatter across the map. All have moved except for the new bald eagle, S28. Will she migrate? Explore life in an eagle’s nest. Read the fascinating facts and team up to teach others about your specialty. You can even create a book about eagles to show what you have learned this spring. And have fun dragging the eagles across the map to their nesting grounds!

April 16, 2008
The eagles have scattered! All are moving but one. Can you guess which one? Will they follow the path they used coming south to the wintering grounds? If so, U21 has a squiggly trail toward her nesting grounds. Our golden eagle appears to be settled in the far north this week. Take a peek into an eagle’s nest at the funny little eaglets. How are they built for survival? Picture them growing a 6-foot wingspan while still in the nest!

April 9, 2008
We feature the amazing migration of the new Golden eagle this week. She may be at the end of the journey at her nest site. Stay tuned for next week. What’s keeping the other eagles from moving out? Is this a normal year? Take a look at the Spring 2007 eagle map to find out when U21 and U25 started their migration last year. And focus on feathers with a slideshow investigation.

April 2, 2008
Some of our eagles are holding tight at their favored winter grounds. Not U27 and R24. They have put on the miles and may be at their summer nest sites! Take a look at the differences between their routes. How are eagles built for adapting for survival? Take an in-depth look at the amazing parts that make the whole bird. And, word is in from New Hampshire that the eagles won’t be wearing backpack transmitters this spring.

March 26, 2008
Our maps give us a bird’s eye view of the locations of the NY eagles. This week we continue to “watch” U27 head to her nest. Also exciting is the beginning of the first-ever monitored migration of Golden eagle R24. Will she head NE to the wilds of northern Canada? Learn how to use the scale of miles on the map to find how many miles per day our eagle is flying.

Photos: Jon McRay

March 19, 2008
One of our bald eagles is very predictable. She started her migration right on time. Can you guess which one she is? The others are mostly sitting tight waiting for something-? Eagle-Eye says part of the reason an eagle heads north early is to put a claim on their territory. Learn about this and a lot more about eagle nests with a new slide show and some reading and writing connections to challenge you all!

March 12, 2008
Longer daylight begins to bring changes to the world around us. Some of our migrating bald eagles are starting to notice. Check this week’s map and compare it to the past 2 years. Will it be an earlier or a later migration this year? View some spectacular photographs of eagles caught in aerial gymnastics. Why do they do these dare-devil acts? Find out what Peter Nye thinks! And keep your fingers crossed for the New Hampshire biologists. Will they catch birds this week?

March 5, 2008
Another week and the eagles are waiting out the silent signal that will send them on their spring migrations north. We look at critical winter habitats this week. Find out more about the importance of identifying winter eagle habitats. Our maps provide many clues. Learn more about eagle U27 so you can better predict when she will migrate this spring. Watch her capture and release from 2006.

February 27, 2008
Just a short report this week to give you the latest data for our birds and news from the New Hampshire eagle project. We will also take you to a place along the Merrimack River for a short night roosting habitat study. Find out how the biologists in NH are trying to outsmart the eagles. Coyotes, raccoons, and crows all find the bait interesting. Learn more about latitude today with our eagle maps.

February 20, 2008
The birds seem to be content where they are for the time being. Study their locations to find the nearest bodies of water. Get to know bald eagle U25 this week. Learn where she spent the summer and fall months. And learn why it is important to note the time each satellite signal is sent. Learn about Greenwich Mean Time and how to convert to local time. Then start to put the “critical habitat” puzzle together for these important birds. Photo: Jon McRay

February 13, 2008
The mystery is revealed. This week’s maps show us where three of our eagles have been since last summer. You be the scientist and compare 2 seasons of migrations. How are they similar? You may be surprised! Polish your observation skills. How much can you notice in one photograph? The bait is fresh but New Hampshire eagles are still flying free. Read the latest from NH Audubon’s Chris Martin.
Photo: Jon McRay

February 6, 2008
Welcome to another exciting tracking bald eagles! Meet the biologists and learn about a new project just getting started in New Hampshire. We will follow along this spring. Why track and study eagles? How do you set up to capture an eagle? Fasten your seat belts and get ready to do some thinking!

Welcome to the Bald Eagle Migration Study: Starts in February
Get ready for the trip! >>