March 9, 2013

Wingercise


Hope and Honor, the eaglets in North Ft.. Myers turned two months old last weekend when I was there.  It's hard to believe they're that young, yet so big.  I had to laugh because they did what human youngsters do when the parents are away: play, test their boundaries and be rambunctious.  This is Honor valiantly exercising her wings.  She's the older of the two by just two days and when she spreads her wings like this and flaps them, she smacks her sibling in the head. (The nest just isn't big enough for all those wings.)  So, Hope was bouncing up and down and flapping and flapping and wouldn't you know it...she actually got airborne a few inches.  Right after that happened, Harriet appeared quite literally out of the clear blue sky, silently swooped by the nest and left.  That was one heck of a flyby communication because both Honor and Hope sat down in the nest immediately!  Yesterday, I heard that Honor hopped onto a branch for the first time. You can check out the video from the webcam here .  It's pretty cool, especially if you've been following them closely. It's hard to believe they're going to be flying within a few weeks.  We've had quite a few bird pics this week, so I'll see if I can scare up something different for you tomorrow.  (No promises, though.)

13 comments:

Brian King said...

How awesome! Love this shot, too!

Leslie D. said...

Great shot and great video..The camera is so close it gives birds eye view a whole new meaning

Andy said...

Along with excellent photos this is an interesting event you have unfolding here. Remember it's your blog and you post what you want. I look forward to seeing more.

Hilda said...

Your story just made me grin from ear to ear. Kids! Your shot of dad taking off is awesome, too.

SFlaGuy said...

When you first introduced me, they could barely sit up. Nature is so amazing.

cieldequimper said...

Oh wow! Could you imagine humans growing that fast?

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Amazing shot SRQ and the web cam link is fascinating, I would be so tempted to watch rather a lot! I wonder if they are a bit suspicious of the camera? Not so happy with election results but that's the way it goes.

Velva said...

Very awesome!


Velva

Lowell said...

Never apologize for these bird shots. They are mesmerizing! And the size of those wings - these are babies? Sheesh!

Re your comment on Ocala - yes, it's been cold here, too, but we're heading into a warm stretch now. And we had some very nice days a week ago.
But I agree, come summer, we'll wish for some coolness again!

Lorraine said...

Our babies are all grown up! (sniff) One day I was watching them wingercise and I was certain one of them was just going to take off. It looks like it will be soon!

FilipBlog said...

Hola, that is a serious predator.

Greetings,
Filip

Kay said...

Seems just about any critter grows up faster than humans, but it's especially striking to see a bird of prey like this. They certainly don't waste any time, though it'll be a couple of years before they have the distinctive white head and tail. Love these shots. Post whatever you see fit!

LONDONLULU said...

Haha, they are just like human kiddos! I quite enjoy the bird shots, and that we get to see this area through your eyes. (Ooh, my bad about Michigan! 20 lashes with a wet noodle as either oldie-but-goldie Ann Landers or Dear Abby used to say:)