March 05, 2005
Intro and Chick Facts
Those who followed our Osprey Cam know that last year we used a web log to keep track of the cam action. Originally we decided not to do a web log for the Eagle Cam because this is our first year with the eagles and we didn't know if we would even see eggs. But now that we have an eagle family to watch, I've decided to go ahead and start a web log -- or blog -- for the eagles.
I'll continue to post info on the cam page, but the web log will be reserved for more expansive posts and answers to the most common questions we receive.
Below is our Chick Facts post, which some folks have found helpful. Now that we have it in the web log, it will be archived for anyone who wants to revisit the chick data at a future time.
Finally, much thanks to everyone for their patience and support while we moved to a more powerful server. From what we hear, the new server is holding up well, so the move was a good one.
If you registered at WildCam, keep your registration information because WildCam will be hosting our Chick-Naming Contest when it comes time to enter your names. Registration is not a requirement for entering the contest, but it will make things simpler if you already have a username and password there.
Chick Facts
Now that the parents have taken on their new roles, the mother eagle will be spending almost all her time in the nest protecting the chicks and the father will be the food provider. Many biologists say that this is why the female is bigger -- she's the one who is in charge of chick protection, and the father is smaller because he must go out and do the flying and hunting/fishing. Once the chicks are bigger, the mother will begin hunting again.
The new chicks will be sluggish for a couple days as the hatching process is very exhausting. For the first couple days the chick is weak and helpless and has trouble raising its head. The father will bring more food, although the chicks will not be able to eat much of what he brings. The mother will continue to keep the chicks warm and protect them from the elements, from the sun, and from predators.
The chicks weigh about 3-4 ounces at birth but will grow to 9-15 pounds in about 3 months. Chicks stay in the nest for about 10-12 weeks, at which point they will be flying and will leave the nest. They will spend about 6 more weeks around the nest before they leave for good.
Until next time,
Lisa - webmaster