New uses for wings

The SWFL eaglets have reached 8 weeks of age, and some new milestones.

E15 has started exploring the nest tree outside the nest! So far not any further than the closest branch, referred to by viewers as the nest's veranda, but branching is an important step towards fledging. And what's more, E15 has broken the record for earliest branching among eaglets at this nest!

E16 has given the veranda a few calculating looks, too, but has stayed in the nest for now.

What E16 has gotten quite good at already, though, is mantling their food! Raptors cover their prey with their wings when eating anywhere they might get their meal stolen, and the eaglets have started learning this skill by guarding and trying to steal food from each other. Above is dad M bringing in a fish, and E16 immediately claiming it while E15 watches from behind their little sibling's wings.

Calm before the storm just moments prior to the above fish delivery, lol. E16 on the left, E15 on the right.

Closeup of the eaglets' tail feathers, which are one way to still tell them apart. E15 (left/back) has a broom, E16 (right/front) has a fan.

Whole family seen on camera 2. From left to right: M15, Harriet, E15, E16.

E15 flaps their wings and jumps around, almost staying in the air for a bit. E16 on the left has a fish and is not sharing.

 M15 closeups.

Harriet looking rather majestic cooling herself.

E15 higher on the screen, E16 at the front next to the tree trunk.

E15 watches the horses below at the pasture, E16 dozes off with their face in E15's back feathers.

E16 closeups, standing on the nest rails looking around.

 E15 closeups, looking at the camera?