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Of course, there is nothing related to the passing of the eaglet in this video. I had already started collecting clips of the hatch & "baby's first day" for a celebratory recap video tonight. I almost didn't share any of this, but it's beautiful, and considering the odds that eaglet beat to be here, s/he deserves to be remembered and to be celebrated for the little miracle they were.
The little eaglet that, by all means, should have been nonviable. Many logically concluded that incubation has been a bit too inconsistent, especially during cooler weather.
I love Scout. I can't blame him, and of course I know that. But I am truly disappointed and heartbroken. Not an outcome I imagined here.
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Shared message from Bald Eagles 101 on Facebook:
Randy, USFWS - NCTC Posted this message for all teachers tonight.
Attention Teachers!
Please note that the eaglet hatched this morning has died this evening.
We want you to be aware so that can help your students understand.
Here's a recap of today: The egg hatched about 11:30 am and by 5pm the eaglet was eating small bites of it's first meal. All appeared normal and the female, Bella, feed and brooded the eaglet.
About 7:30 pm she flew off and the young male, Scout, returned. He seemed somewhat confused at seeing the eaglet. He appeared restless and flew to the post for a brief time. After coming back to the egg cup he nipped at the eaglet a few times, but started to brood. Then he started nipping again, was rough with the eaglet and likely wounded the hatchling. After tasting blood, he pulled the eaglet out of the nest cup and consumed the chick.
Context: In 21 years of watching this nest, this is the first time we have seen this behavior. However, we know this has happened at other nests and is not unheard of in eagles and many other animal species. We don't know what might cause this behavior. Biologists believe that bird behavior is hormone driven and instinctive. We do know that this young male is @ 4.5 years old, judging by the darker feathers on the back of his head/neck. Often this season he would not be as diligent in brooding the eggs as the older female. Other nests have observed a similar type of "random" nest behavior with young males in their first season.
To summarize, there is a lot we do not know about bald eagles and other birds. It is best not to think of them in human terms and having human emotions. They are predatory and aggressive by nature, that's the only way they can survive. Every day they must capture and kill their prey to live. We know this is difficult to explain to young students. Thanks for helping them understand that nature can be very beautiful and very harsh - at the same time.
Screen rec from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) near Shepherdstown, WV (April 8, 2024)
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