April 14, 2019
Eagles cope with many hazards, including weather, predators, other eaglets, and unintentional mishaps. A combination of instinct and experience helps eagles avoid too many mishaps. They ball or hold their feet loosely near eggs and young eaglets, avoid turning tail to the wind, and enter and exit the egg cup carefully to avoid stepping on our dragging young out with them. But accidents happen even to the most experienced and dedicated of parents.
When Mom left the nest cup earlier today, she took D32 with her. We don't know why the eaglet stuck to Mom. Was it tangled in her feathers? Glued to her by prey or a sticky PS? Biting and unwilling or unable to let go? Whatever happened, we are very glad that things ended well!
Note D32's growing yellow feet and legs and white talons that are barely beginning to darken. Leg and footpad growth begins taking off in an eaglet's second week of life.
