Spirit fledges!

I just made a post about the raptor chicks I watch getting ready to leave their nests, and then the one nest I left out has a fledge. :D

Spirit, this year's only chick of Jackie and Shadow at Big Bear Bald eagle nest, has left her nest tree, with a beautiful first flight. She is 88 days old.

Wingers on the front porch branch first for warmup.

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.

Gatherings

Pachycephalosaur enclosure at my campaign park on Isla Isla Tacaño, housing Pachycephalosaurus, Stygimoloch, and Dracorex - or perhaps adult, subadult, and juvenile Pachycephalosaurus.

Watch your language, young lady.

Also one more look at the Shaximiao Formation enclosure at sandbox Isla Muerta: one from each stegosaurian herd (Huayangosaurus, Chungkingosaurus, and Gigantspinosaurus) meeting at the watering hole.

A Diplodocus funeral.

Frostflower clouds

Raptors and company

Raptor nestcam screenshots. Warning for occasional views of prey.

Dolphins seen near the West End of Catalina Island Bald eagle nest.

And a beautiful sunset as the eaglets wingercise and get ready for bed.

Big feathers for big baby birds

Screenshots from the Cornell Red-tailed hawk nestcam, and later in the post also West End of Catalina Island Bald eagle nestcam. Includes views of prey, but not very clear or close up. But also views of cute raptor chicks both clearly and close up.

Back comparison during a feeding a few days ago. L4, L2, and L1 near mom, L3 closer to camera.

Just hanging out after the meal. L1 next to mom, L2, L3, and L4 in front row. L3, too, is now getting some of that beautiful orange on the chest.

You're right, it's fine like that

Masu helping me change bedsheets.