We wanted to give an update on our fast-growing eaglets. Our two chicks are now almost three weeks old, and you can see their second coat of down — the darker, woolier coat — is visible on their bodies.
Their heads are the last place where they’ll lose their first white, fuzzy coat of down, so if you look closely, you can see the eaglets are getting a little white cap where the old down still shows — eventually this will be replaced with the darker down, and then feathers.
Speaking of feathers, today we saw a photo that seemed to show tiny pin feathers on the tail of our older bird. At least that’s what it looked like.
We’re also beginning to more easily see the eaglets’ big yellow feet. The youngsters’ feet and beaks will grow to adult size first, so you’ll notice the chicks looking a little funny with their big awkward feet sticking out in front of them.
Eagle Photos
We also have some interesting photos to share regarding other eagles. As many of you know, the Norfolk Eagle Cam now has three chicks. These parents are normally very good providers, so the birds should do well. Here’s a cute photo of one of them being fed.
Also, here’s a funny photo from the Carolina Raptor Center Eagle Cam, showing the mother doing some rearranging of the furniture — she’s going to poke an eye out if she’s not careful.
And finally, here’s a blog from one of our cam watchers who has put together some very nice slideshows of our Blackwater eaglets — with the photos displayed at an extra-large size.
Much thanks to all those who sent these in.
News from Blackwater NWR
Despite the rain, our Eagle Festival was a success this past Saturday, and we thank all those who braved the elements to come out and see the wildlife and the Refuge.
Tom Lorsung — who was one of the exhibiting photographers — sent me a photo of our white pelicans, which he took while at the Festival. According to our ranger, this past week was the first time that the pelicans have been seen all winter.
White pelicans aren’t normally seen this far north on the East Coast, but they’ve discovered the Refuge and they keep coming back year after year — often bringing friends with them. We’re happy they think the Refuge is a nice place to be, even though we’re always a little surprised to see them this far out of their range.
We’ll post an update to our Eagle Cam Gallery later this week; thanks to all those who have been sending in photos of our adorable chicks. They won’t be this cute for much longer.
Until next time,
Lisa – webmaster
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eagles, eagle cam, wildlife refuge, Blackwater Refuge, Maryland
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