Ahote fledges!

The first of the Bald eaglets at West End of Catalina Island has left the nest! And it's the youngest of the clutch!

Ahote on the left with his older siblings Kana'kini (middle) and Sky not long before the fledge. The older two are 12 weeks old, Ahote turns 12 weeks tomorrow.

Sky is feeling like having a wing workout, and jumps over Kana'kini.

And back!

Ahote seems inspired, and flap-walks to the front of the nest next to Sky.

Then it's Ahote's turn to try the wind under his wings.

Up he goes!

...and doesn't come down!

The overlook camera shows him rising high above the nest, struggling a bit with the winds, and flying lower to the left out of frame.

When zoomed out, Ahote has landed on the nearest rock peak.

Good job!

Dad flies by Ahote, perhaps checking that his new fledgling is alright. He seems to be.

Ahote stays put as night falls.

His siblings go to sleep (I think Kana'kini at the front here), just two of them for the first time since before Ahote hatched.

Hoping to see Ahote return to the nest in the morning, lured by breakfast, and having rested after his first flight, as well as first night alone. Stay safe out there!