Young eagles stay in the nest about 11 to 12 weeks. At the end of this time, the eaglets are dancing on the nest, beating their wings and making short "touch and go" flights between the nest and nearby branches. As fledging time approaches, parents may start withholding food, perching with food near the nest, or flying over with food to tempt the nestlings to fly. Adults may also encourage flight through vocalizations and low circling around the nest. When hungry, thirsty, or confident enough, the nestlings fledge.

Ray Foster