Thanks SGB...the cam operators really make it easy. They have a great crew at AEF.
This weekend the kids are 15 wks old and have been flying for a month. Sky and Spirit are venturing further out and for longer periods of time, but they still return to the nest tree at night as a whole family. Twice this week, Juliet had no takers for a fish lunch in the nest. She had to fly out with the fish and circle around to bring the kids home to eat. Both Sky and Spirit are clearly more aggressive when it comes to food and twice I have seen them snap at Juliet when she tried to sneak their food away to feed them. They will need that assertiveness when they get out on their own. AEF states that at 5-6 wks post fledge, the eaglets leave. That is just around the corner, but I believe these two will be ready. It will be sad to see them go. They have been such a pleasure to watch.
649pm - When I looked in this evening, Spirit had finished a fish dinner and was perched while Sky was in the nest looking for something to eat. Her brother did not share and left nothing for her. Juliet assessed the situation and shortly after I took this pic, she took flight with Sky following right on her heels...time for a hunting lesson.
709pm - Spirit alone in the nest tree, occasionally calling out.
731pm - Romeo, Juliet, and Sky all returned together with a fish. Juliet made sure that this meal went to Sky. She even stayed in the nest with Sky for a bit to make sure. Once Spirit gave up the idea of getting any fish, Juliet perched to let Sky eat in the nest alone and in peace. This pic is of a very watchful Juliet. She occasionally looked back at Sky to make sure she was not being pestered by her little brother.
737pm - Sky enjoying her fish dinner.
743pm - Romeo keeping an eye on the kids too.
746pm - Once Sky finished and perched on a branch, both Juliet and Spirit dropped into the nest to clean up any leftovers. Here's the whole family with Juliet and Spirit in the nest.
751pm - After dinner, Romeo and Juliet were in the mood for love. This pic is the kids response to a canoodle. Get a load of the expressions on their faces....as if wondering what has gotten into Mom & Dad...lol.
Sky on the left. .
754pm - The aftermath of reaffirming their bond.
Juliet on the left and Romeo behind her. They remained perched like this to sleep.
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