News, Videos & Other Webcams > Raptor Cams
Bald Eagle - West Virginia / USFWS
allikat:
Well well well.....exciting news for this pair!! The fourth egg hatched!!! We have one little eaglet at this nest which is wonderful news!
allikat:
Winter Update #5 - February 25, 2010
We are now in the long waiting period to the hatch. The adult eagles incubate the eggs for about 35 days or so. The eagles are diligently taking care of their two eggs, and fortunately the weather has been relatively fair.
The eagles are keeping the eggs warm with their brood patch, a featherless section of skin filled with blood vessels. The little "dance" they do when going back on the eggs ensures that they brood patch is in contact with the eggs.
Watch for the rolling of the eggs throughout the day, about once an hour. This is done with their talons rolled up to protect the egg, and the rolling action ensures that the embryo does not stick to the eggshell.
We still feel that one egg is likely viable and the other probably is not, but they may surprise us.
Also keep an eye out for live fish being brought in from the Potomac River, which is a few hundred yards down the hill from the nest tree. The fishing on this stretch of river is excellent, and some of the fish brought in are big ones. Big or small, the fish don't last long.
allikat:
Actually JL, the female usually does incubate the night shift....but they do switch off occasionally. They are fantastic to watch.
JL:
I just witnessed an exchange between the parents at 3 am (nest time). Mom called out, though not very loud and Dad came in to incubate. He was definitely very close by. I didn't think they took turns throughout the night; I thought the Mom usually took the whole night shift. As I'm typing this, Mom's still out and about. ::) I guess I learned something new today. ;D
allikat:
Winter Update #4 - February 19, 2010
We have had several days of fair, but chilly weather here in Shepherdstown. Our eagles are tending to two eggs, including a fourth egg that was laid last Sunday, February 14th. Whether or not both are viable is subject to discussion, but we believe that at least one is, hopefully both. Weather is expected to warm up through the weekend, with a chance of snow/sleet/rain on Monday. This will be the bird's next challenge.
Keep watching.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version