We have a pair of eagles who roost in a very tall isolated pine tree a few doors up from me in our subdivision. Today I saw one of them fly over with a branch in his talons. They must be building a nest in the state park next door.

 

They are starting to walk around. Their feet are huge in proportion to their body.

You can sure tell they're visually oriented and top chain predators. There is no sibling love there, just a recognition of competition for food.

fltsfshr

 

SAVE THE EAGLES DAY !!! - celebrated today; Jan. 10th, 2013

What is Save the Eagles Day ? [per the "Altius Directory"]
"Save the Eagles Day is commemorated on the 10th of January every year to save the eagles from extinction. The eagles were once in extinction in the later part of 20th Century, but as on June 2007, the Bald Eagle- national bird of the United States, was removed from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, due to the assiduous work of scientists and good stewards of both public and private lands.
There are more then 70 species of eagles throughout the world; except Hawaii, where the bird never resided. Other species of birds are not so fortunate as the Bald Eagle because of the threat caused due to habitat loss, poaching, and pesticides.
Throughout history, eagle appeared in both mythology and heraldry, and has been recognized as a symbol of power, courage, freedom and immorality since the antediluvian times. It is believed in some religions that a high-soaring eagle touches the face of God. Legends of Mexico's Aztecs so honored the bird that they built their capital, Tenochtitlan, at the spot where an eagle roosted on a cactus to raven a snake.
Eagles have a long life, great strength and majestic looks, and for this reason, the United States chose the bald eagle as its emblem. Not only the United States, Germany's coat of arms has a black eagle spreading its wings; Egypt's coat of arms portrays a majestic and tall eagle of black and gold. Albania's flag and its coat of arms also depicts a two-headed eagle. And the Turks and the Byzantine Empire shows a two-headed eagle as its emblem.
In ancient Rome, it was believed that the eagle represented God Jupiter and represented the senate. The eagle can be found in religions including Christianity and Hinduism as well. It is considered as a sacred bird in some cultures, and her feathers are used in many spiritual customs. Some Native Americans idolize eagle feathers as holy religious objects- the feathers and parts of bald eagle and golden eagles are in equivalence with the bible and crucifix. Feathers of eagle are used in ceremonies to honor achievements and qualities of leadership and bravery.
How is Save the Eagles Day Celebrated ?
To honor Save the Eagles Day, we can look forward to protect eagles and the habitat of this most renowned and majestic bird. Donating to a wildlife sanctuary or turning to the government officials to strengthen environmental protection of waterways might help in saving the eagles. Planting trees and maintaining them in our own yards or local parks makes place for eagles to alight.
On the 10th of January, we can thank the United States for being able to enjoy watching these amazing birds soaring high in our sky. We should also send this intention to our world for it will help eagles continue their existence throughout the world now and for the years to come."

 

Babies are alone at the moment. Must be some fishing going on. The parents are leaving them alone more now, I noticed. They are fighting but maybe not so much as before. The little one isn't so little now and can give as good as s/he gets.

 

Feeding time, but one is particularly aggressive right now. Both Mom and Dad are there. Cool!

 

Interesting development. Not sure if it on purpose or not. The eagle has moved some nesting material to the center of the nest, so the eaglets can't (or won't) stay in there. They've moved up to one side.

 

Now they've moved around the edge of the nest to the other side. Big development!

 

They are making me a bit nervous, but I guess it is part of exploration. One is sleeping next to some twigs and the other is next to a big fish head.

 

I saw her moving stuff this morning and wondered what she was doing. I really hope they both make it and we get to watch them grow.

 

They were definitely active today. All around the nest. At sunset they were being fed and the sun reflected pink off their heads. One of them actually pecked a piece of fish, so I expect it won't be long before the eagle will just drop something for them to eat. Amazing they are only a week old.