Bald Eagle
Migration Update: April 15, 2009
Welcome to the 2009 Journey North Bald Eagle Study!

Did you know that these gangly baby birds grow faster than any other bird in North America? >>
Maps and Data

Conditions seemed to be great for eagle migration this past week. Eagle U25 continues to hop-scotch up the map. When will she reach the end of the road? Will that be the coast of Labrador/Newfoundland, where she was in 2008?

Eagle U21's migration path is quite different from U25. How would you describe their differences? Both S28, and U27 must be sitting on eggs, or feeding eaglets now. Their positions haven't changed in quite some time.

Let's learn more about eaglets this week.

  • All Eagles: Map
  • All Eagles: Data
  • Map Questions >>

Questions about this week's map >>

Highlights: 
Tupper Lake, NY Our mated pair has been on the nest for at least three weeks now, and mom's head is regularly visible with her expectant mate attending her nicely. The recent snows and cold weather must be a real challenge to nesting birds. 04/08/09

Heathsville, VA Eagles live year round here, on the Great Wicomico River near the Chesapeake Bay. Just noticed an nest being build in our back yard, on the River. 04/07/09
Nestcam: See It Live!
Norfolk Botanical Garden Nestcam
The third egg in the nest successfully hatched in late March and the adults are very busy keeping the 3 young eaglets fed. All three of the eaglets are doing well. They are growing very fast. In their first month of life, bald eagles grow rapidly, more than any other bird in North America. Females gain as much as 130 grams of body weight each day. Males average about 105 grams each day. Picture the weight of a cup of flour, or a small Razr cell phone - added every day!
A Nestful
Northfolk Botanical Garden Nestcam >>
Feeding Frenzy
Both eagle parents are working hard to feed the 3 hungry eaglets. They hunt 14 hours a day. Some viewers of the Nestcam captured film of the eaglets getting some feisty food. Check out the excitement in 2 small videos:
  • A Squiggly Eel Escapes >>
  • Floppy Fish in the Nest >>
 
* Notes for Viewing *
Watch closely as the parents interact with the food and the eaglets. What lessons can the eaglets learn about hunting from their parents? How does the adult move about the nest? Notice the eaglets. How would you describe them at this stage in their lives (21- 28 days)?
* Thanks to VDGIF Wildlife Biologist for link to the video.
Focus: Eaglets to Eagles

Take a close look at baby eaglets in the nest. It is hard to believe these little creatures will grow to be magnificent bald eagles! How would you describe them? Learn how the eaglets beaks, talons, and wings will be used to help them survive.

  • Eyeing Eaglets >>

Eyeing Eaglets >>
Explore: Eagle Adaptations

Eagle babies have many important physical characteristics to help them stay alive. Look closely at an eagle chick. Learn how each part of the chick is designed to keep the eagle alive.

  • Survival in a Wild Habitat >>
Links: This Week's Eagle Resources
  • Active NestCams:
    • Cornell Lab of Ornithology >>
    • Sutton County >>
    • WVEC Norfolk Botanical Garden >>
  • Project: Eagles A to Z >>
  • Lessons, Activities, and Resources >>
  • Journey North for Kids: Eagles >>

Class Eagle Book >>
More Eagle Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Bald Eagle Migration Update Will Be Posted on April 22, 2009.

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