« It’s Lonely Being an Eaglet …

… just wait, soon I shall fly. I’m stretching my wings every day now, while my parents are off hunting for hours. I can’t wait to hunt with them. »

So last Monday I probably did see him too, but today there was no mistake! I might have to return before next Monday as eaglets can take their first flights by the end of July. Having watched this one for the last six weeks (first mention 10th June) albeit from about 300m, it would be an even greater thrill to watch it soar off into its future especially as I was convinced he/she was dead as for two of those weeks. I did not see either it, or the parents, on the nest. 

I know the photos are not good but I hope you can make out his open beak in the extra. He was calling quite loudly for about 10 minutes but his parents did not come. Apparently the adults often have to fight for territory and can neglect their youngsters for a long time. Only 10% make it to independence at a year old, often dying of starvation after the adults stop feeding them at the end of the winter.

(A huge thank you for your enthusiasm for that very different bird, the colourful European Bee Eater, yesterday. He/she flew to the no. 1 spot today, amazing.)