Exploring and ascending

Screenshots from three of the raptor nestcams I follow, all of which have recently had the chicks take various steps towards leaving the nest. Warning for occasional views of bloody prey.

Lunch at Cal Falcons Peregrine nest. The recently banded chicks are growing fast. Older chick on the right here.

Younger chick shaded by mom, older shaded by camera.

 

Older chick's pinfeathers are unfurling into long flight feathers. The younger chick takes a close look, too.

:V

When mom isn't at the nest to brood you, big sister will suffice.

Mom Annie feeding the chicks supper.

The older chick wanders close to the edge of the nest box and stumbles overboard!

Fortunately it's not a long fall. (bottom right corner)

She goes for a little walk and looks around. First time outside the nest!

Little brother meanwhile has been happy to continue the feeding without competition.

Successful return.

Getting ready for bed. Perhaps more investigation tomorrow.

At Cornell Red-tailed hawk nest, L3 and L1 (and L2 behind L3, with only beak visible) standing together at sunrise. L4 prefers to snooze.

A little comparison of the patterns new feathers growing in make on L1 (left) and L2's heads.

L3 and L4 are there, too.

Youngest is still pretty downy, but catching up.

L3 has proper feathers on its head now, too.

L4's tail (and L2's chest).

L2 had a moment of playing with something it found in the nest, I think a pellet. The chick would pick it up, drop it, and then foot it like it's a prey to capture, then repeat. L1 is doing wing exercises in the background.

L3 and L1 back, L2 and L4 front.

 

Panting to stay cool in the afternoon.

In the evening L1 went on an adventure. A few wing flaps, and aim...

...and jump to the top of the light box! Good job! I believe that counts as branching.

A branch it is not, however, and not easy to perch on.

L1 slips down the other side, and flaps its wings and tries to grab on with talons.

L1 manages to stabillize itself.

Not a particularly secure spot, but L1 stays there a while, maybe calming down a bit before deciding on its next move. Siblings that had been alerted by L1's predicament settle back down somewhat.

Made it safely back to nest!

Big Red and her not so little reds.

Morning wing exercises at West End of Catalina Island Bald eagle nest. The one at the front is the oldest chick, Kana'kini. Not sure which of her little brothers is which here.

A high hover by one of the males!

Youngest chick Ahote on the left, Kana'kini in the middle/back, and middle-hatched chick Sky on the right.

Beautiful hovering by Kana'kini at sunset!

She goes high enough to leave the frame!

Safe landing.

Incoming breakfast delivery the next morning.

Poor dad almost gets pushed out of the nest. He has done a good job raising strong, young eagles with zero respect for anyone getting between them and food.