E20 fledges!

The younger of the two eaglets at the Southwest Florida Bald eagle nest flew out of the nest tree for the first time yesterday. And returned safely right after, with a new record for shortest first flight at this nest. Here are some screenshots I took of both the fledging and things the eaglets got up to before and after on the same day.

Starting with before fledging: E20 perching right next to the camera.

Can I eat this?

How about this?

Hello!

Harriet and both eaglets at the "attic" branches above the nest. Older eaglet E19 closest to camera.

You can already fly and could be doing your wing workout anywhere you choose, but no it's got to be where you can hit your little brother with your wings.

E19 in a different tree.

E19 (middle) back at the same tree, but not for long.

E20.

Mom and E20 just before the fledge.

E20 opens his wings...

There he goes!

E20 circles the pasture a bit.

And he's back!

Landing on the attic.

Oops!

Landing in the nest, then. That's the hardest part of flying, so some practice is needed to learn to judge the landing angle, speed, and timing right. You did great, E20!

Later, E19 has fun on her first visits to the pasture pond, taking baths and wading in the water.

But while she's busy at the pond, dad M15 delivers a fish to the nest. E20 is quick to jump in and claim it.

M considers it best to get out of the way, and moves to the attic.

E19 returns to the nest tree, going to perch below the nest. E20 has the fish, and E19 doesn't seem too interested in going over to fight him for it. She flies out to the pasture again.

E19 (front) and E20 perching together in the evening.

Preen preen. Got to keep that plumage in good condition. More flying and learning to do tomorrow!