Wednesday Catalina Update, April 18, 2007

As you all know, last Thursday we fostered the last 2 chicks to Two Harbors (Pete will post videos) and things have certainly slowed down a bit around here in the office.
I’ve been monitoring Pinnacle, Seal and Twin Rocks nests and I’m pleased to tell you that they are all doing well; still two chicks in every nest, getting bigger and bigger and keeping their parents quite busy. I observe their behavior for about 2-4 hrs every couple of days and wait to see at least one feeding. Feeding times are farther apart (every 3 hrs maybe) but they take longer (>20min).
The Pinnacle chicks are the oldest and the Seal ones the youngest, I can definitely tell the difference between them. The older ones are starting to darken their coats a little and are getting more aggressive towards their siblings, especially during feeding times, though they both seem to get fed equally. When the parents shade them from the sun, sometimes the big chick would peck the other one not letting him/her get under the shade. The chicks like to roam around their nest so they don’t spend the whole time under a parent, they choose to be where they want to, and in the case of Pinnacle, they have lots of room.
Parents are very protective of their nests now. There’s always one parent on duty and the other one perches near by (that’s something you don’t get to see on the webcams) and they call to each other a lot, especially when there’s a threat around. I’ve watched them chase off ravens, hawks and even the occasional juvenile eagle.

These chicks get plenty of shade from the tree.

Yesterday, while the male stayed on the nest, K-17 went out fishing and came back all soaked but with dinner.

I tried to take a better picture today but the heat waves and the wind make it very hard.
Here are some of the best picture from our chick season in case you missed them.
http://s165.photobucket.com/albums/u77/eaglegal_2007/



‘Til next week.

Steffani

Thanks, Stef!

Awesome! Thank you Steffanie - it's great to hear the other nests and chicks are thriving and doing well! (and from your photos - GROWING!)

Thanks, Steffani! I love reading about the nests we don't get to see and seeing pictures of them!

Thanks Steffani I the pictures there were some real cuties in those shots. I love to hear about the other nest since we can't see them from the cam.
Frances

Thank you, Steffani, for the interesting notes you share with us. Your Photobucket album is terrific. THANK YOU!!!!

Thanks Steffi - Glad all is going well with all the chicks. Nice to hear about the nests we can't view. Thanks again for the pictures.

Thank you Steffani for keeping us informed of the eagle activity on nest we are unable to observe - appreciate your pictures anytime - you got good pics even with the wind. Glad to hear all the chicks are growing and doing well even with sibling picking on the little ones.

Steff, Thank you for the opportunity to 'Snagit' to my hearts delight..
I printed out 8 pictures and made a book for my 2 and 3 year old grandsons..they are eagleholics..so young

Thanks for that mother's touch Steff! We just lurve you and that's a good thing.

Hiker's I'm just wallowing in that picture.

Good idea, Hikers! I'll have to make some to send my grandkids. Hadn't thought of making them into a book for them! Kewl!

Stefani,
Thank you so much for sharing. The photos are remarkable and I so appreciate seeing them, these are the little ones we can't check on every day to make sure they are doing well so having you there is great for us and the eaglets. Keep up the good work!!!

Thanks Steffani. What joy! I wish I could see and do what you do everyday. Thanks for the great photos and a job well done. It has been a great season. Thanks for all that you do!