Bald Eagle Chicks Are Here! Midtown Bald Eagles - Part II

This dedicated pair of bald eagles that call Midtown Mt. Pleasant their home has successfully hatched two eaglet chicks! The long-awaited appearance of not one but TWO fluffy eaglet heads peering over the nest edge was cause for happy exclamations and sighs of relief for the Midtown residents that observe and protect this nest.

Bald eagle chicks are laid - and subsequently, hatch - about 3 days apart. This results initially in a significant size difference in the chicks and generally gives the first hatched chick an advantage if resources run scarce. While siblicide is rare in bald eagles, the size advantage of the first chick might come into play in the event of severe weather or the loss of one parent. Fortunately, both chicks in this nest are active and appear to be faring well under their parents' constant care.

The chicks' white down feathers will eventually transition to their juvenile plumage of mostly dark brown flight feathers. Between 10-14 weeks of age, the eaglets will fledge and bravely leave the nest. Their first attempts at flight are awkward at best, and it can be a risky time for the young eagles. Typically, the chicks will remain close to the nest tree as they practice their newly found flying abilities, branching in nearby trees for another 4-6 weeks. During the next few months, the chicks remain completely reliant upon their parents for food and protection. It is not uncommon to see the chicks - now the same size as the adults - chasing and harassing their parents, begging to be fed, even trying to steal food from them in flight!

When the chicks reach around 5 months of age, the parents no longer tolerate the chicks' harassment and practice some ‘tough love’ with their offspring. While the young eagles are not accomplished hunters at this point, they are quite capable of scavenging and stealing to get by while they hone their skills. The first year of life for most birds of prey, including eagles, is fraught with risks. Life is hard, survival is harder, and half don’t make it to their first birthday. However, for those that do, their odds of living a long life are good.

If you would like to be a part of this conservation-minded community in Midtown, CLICK HERE to see new homes in this thriving area of Mt. Pleasant. Give me a call if I can help you find a new home - or if you just want to chat about eagles!