Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (OK)

[treetop1943]

There has been a tremendous amount of activity on this nest today, with lots of feeding going on, mom dragging another large fish around, and the little ones wiggling all over the place, with each one holding his/her own in getting food.  Little ones have spent quite a bit of time this afternoon out from under mom and enjoying the sun.   One realizes, watching this nest, how much it takes to keep three eaglets fed.  Definitely a full time job and being well done.  There is some interesting information under the cam about the feeding process; i.e. parents feed from an angle, and a saline/saliva mixture drips onto the food to keep it moist and easy to swallow.  I hadn't seen this information previously.  (Please realize this is a cursory summary; don't take my word as gospel, but read for yourself to ensure accuracy -lol).

[final4kc]

There has been a tremendous amount of activity on this nest today, with lots of feeding going on, mom dragging another large fish around, and the little ones wiggling all over the place, with each one holding his/her own in getting food.  Little ones have spent quite a bit of time this afternoon out from under mom and enjoying the sun.   One realizes, watching this nest, how much it takes to keep three eaglets fed.  Definitely a full time job and being well done.  There is some interesting information under the cam about the feeding process; i.e. parents feed from an angle, and a saline/saliva mixture drips onto the food to keep it moist and easy to swallow.  I hadn't seen this information previously.  (Please realize this is a cursory summary; don't take my word as gospel, but read for yourself to ensure accuracy -lol).

Thanks for the update, wasn't able to check in on them yesterday 

[final4kc]

OK, I have a question.  I know, I know, no worry zone, but, that third E is looking mighty small while the other two older Es are growing.  I just watched a long feeding, two big guys lots of food, little E stuck below them.  Since food is abundant there shouldn't be any reason for the third E to get cut out of the food right?  Wouldn't the mother recognize the third E is not getting in the mix and try to feed before the E can't feed?  Just wondering.  I'm not worried as much as I'm curious about the habits of the mother.

[final4kc]

OK, I have a question.  I know, I know, no worry zone, but, that third E is looking mighty small while the other two older Es are growing.  I just watched a long feeding, two big guys lots of food, little E stuck below them.  Since food is abundant there shouldn't be any reason for the third E to get cut out of the food right?  Wouldn't the mother recognize the third E is not getting in the mix and try to feed before the E can't feed?  Just wondering.  I'm not worried as much as I'm curious about the habits of the mother.

So the little guy is getting attacked by who appears to be the oldest E, not just a little peck, full on attack.  I'm in the stupid worry zone.   I hope my concerns become unfounded, mother nature can be as cruel as kind.  It appears little E can give as good as he gets, survival of the fittest and all that. 

[priscillash]

http://youtu.be/aEXKrI-Hcus   some beaking going on

[final4kc]

OK, I have a question.  I know, I know, no worry zone, but, that third E is looking mighty small while the other two older Es are growing.  I just watched a long feeding, two big guys lots of food, little E stuck below them.  Since food is abundant there shouldn't be any reason for the third E to get cut out of the food right?  Wouldn't the mother recognize the third E is not getting in the mix and try to feed before the E can't feed?  Just wondering.  I'm not worried as much as I'm curious about the habits of the mother.

So the little guy is getting attacked by who appears to be the oldest E, not just a little peck, full on attack.  I'm in the stupid worry zone.   I hope my concerns become unfounded, mother nature can be as cruel as kind.  It appears little E can give as good as he gets, survival of the fittest and all that.  

OK, was wrong to worry, but he's soooo small, see he's getting a good meal right now!  Gotta get to work!

[treetop1943]

Yes, Final, we all worry and know it does no good.  I do think this little one is doing okay.  I started watching right after the third one hatched, and had concerns early on as s/he was pushed around, sat upon, and shoved off to the side.  However, yesterday s/he was quite aggressive in getting food and all three had enormous crops to the extent that the middle one had trouble staying upright.  Even when the little one is in the back, s/he managed to thrust his beak forward and get some food, so I think he'll be fine.  I'm loving this nest and Sequoyah Nat'l Wildlife Refuge is definintely on my list of places to visit.

[elfruler]

final4, I understand your worry, that size difference does seem alarming, but along with you I just watched that feeding and was encouraged that this is one feisty Little!  He's just, well, little -- and I wonder if it might just be a male which would be smaller than a female.  The other 2 are beginning to show their secondary down, darker than the fluffy white primary natal down.  I think I can see a few of those darker tufts on Little's head, and if that continues, and if he continues to hold his head up and snap at that food, I'm not worried.  I'm also watching for PS.  Food in, waste out, all is good!  

[priscillash]

http://youtu.be/gTOz6YpFf5g  yesss little one gets fed  no worries

[final4kc]

final4, I understand your worry, that size difference does seem alarming, but along with you I just watched that feeding and was encouraged that this is one feisty Little!  He's just, well, little -- and I wonder if it might just be a male which would be smaller than a female.  The other 2 are beginning to show their secondary down, darker than the fluffy white primary natal down.  I think I can see a few of those darker tufts on Little's head, and if that continues, and if he continues to hold his head up and snap at that food, I'm not worried.  I'm also watching for PS.  Food in, waste out, all is good!  

Thanks to all of you.  It's been a long time since I've voiced concern, and I know better.  After hanging and watching Decorah I'm used to all sorts of stuff, little one is just so....well....little, (thanks Elf) He did eat a ton, and I'll bet he is male.  Thanks all for talking me down.  No worry, no more!!!  Gotta love the forum

[doberman]

I was able to catch the feeding today. I think the little one is hanging in there.

Thanks final4 and priscillash for pix and vids.

[FrancineLT]

Yeahhhhhh-  little E3 is getting some food.  I was starting to get unsteady on the  "No Worries"  balance beam, those puff balls are just too cute.   Want to bring one home   squeeeeeeee   :-)     As much as I would love to go on a safari, I've been told not to go as I would want to rescue a animal in trouble and I would break the rule to not interfere.  Too much of a mushball I guess.   I help animals and birds if I can.   

[priscillash]

http://youtu.be/66CIZCbaHfc   Feb7,2012,6:01pm nest time both ma/pa on nest, oh my they have sandwiche the little one, but all is good, very cute,dark soon feeding lets before dark:)

[MpMom]

Afternoon

[priscillash]

http://youtu.be/BlTp0pxlFUs      
Feb,8, 2012, 12:46pm nest time, mom just left, awww eaglets are so sweet, some beaking on, mom back at 12:50pm, feeding the lets, yay E3 makes it"s way over to get fed,and E3 gets a bit, way to go E3:)


here is one just with the sweet eaglets,   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asNHbtyq5Zw