Fledgling spottings

Screenshots from the SouthWest Florida Bald Eagle nestcam. A few show fish prey.

Since E22's fledge, neither of the eaglets has returned to the nest, though at least one of them has returned to the pasture the nest is on. E21 hasn't been seen on camera since March 31st. Whether that means something has happened to it, time might tell or we might never know. The world is dangerous for young and inexperienced critters to wander in, but it's also not too unusual for fledglings to not return to their natal nest for days, or at all, even though they're fine.

The nest hasn't really been a safe place for the eaglets this season, with only one parent able to protect them, and intruder eagles and owls harassing the family. Humans not understanding to keep their distance can also be a deterrent. Could be E21 is hanging out somewhere else nearby, for now or to stay, and if so, dad M15 surely knows where his baby is, and can bring E21 food there. I hope E21 is alright, but in nature you can never know what will happen, and hoping is all I can do about it either way.

The younger eaglet E22, however, has come back in the cameras' view. E22 first returned to a branch under the nest, where it perched for most of a day. Dad had a meal in the nest, but E22 stayed put. Later the fledgling has also started to explore the pasture a bit more, and has been fed, too.

Yesterday: dad and E22 perching away from the nest together.

E22 on a branch.

E22 on the ground.

Eating a fish dad brought.

Hopping around near the pond, not quite a beach visit yet.

With dad as company and an example, E22 dares to approach the water.

Discoveries...

A body of water can be used for drinks and baths, it turns out.

Dip one wing...

Shake,

...Dip the other. There we go!

Lean to the side and dip a wing...

Oops! Too much leaning.

Meant to do that.

Dad keeping an eye on his little one. :)

A stick!

Alright, enough pond time.

E22 drying its wings, and getting bothered by a Loggerhead shrike.

Perching with dad again.