West End Bald Eagle Nest, Santa Catalina Island, California

[jicaji1]

Does anyone know how the large orange tags were affixed to the juvies on Santa Catalina Island?  I see they are still visiting their nest.  Is this just another "banding" method?

Also, was wondering when it came time for them to fledge, there was obviously no "branching" involved, as they are on a bluff.  I guess they had to just make the plunge w/o branching.

[ElleninLA]

Hi JCal.  Those orange tags are identifiers of the eagles' nests.  The West End eaglets are wearing
orange tags, and other California eagles are wearing different colors, depending on their nest.  I
think they are also banded around their ankles, but I'm not certain about that.  Also, check the photos
of that area.  The West End nest is on top of a high rock, you are right, but it is surrounded by more
rocks and areas with vegetation.  Instead of branching, those eagles have been roosting on other
parts of their rock, like the "patio" area which we can't see from the camera angle. There are places
for them to go nearby.

[jicaji1]

Thanks for the response!!  I haven't seen any photos of surrounding area.  I haven't seen that option on the site.  I thought I did see one of the e's on the side of the bluff, but just a little bit.  Love the view of the water and the sounds.

Still wondering how they affixed the orange labels.  I didn't see any banding on the leg.

[Nora in IA]

For starters, here is an article and there is a video of them collecting the eagles.

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Three-Santa-Catalina-Island-Eagle-Chicks-Get-Their-Wing-Bling-122870374.html

I did find this info googling "eagles attaching wing tags".  It saved as a jpg, so hope you can read it ok, sorry.  If you click on the thumbnail it will open bigger.

[jicaji1]

WOW, thanks Nora.  That's just the info I was looking for.  Appreciate it

[singingwords]

If you go to the website they have all the information regarding banding there.  Actually, two sites, Two Harbors and West -- think you'll enjoy and they actually fledged approximately the same times as Decorah.   

[ElleninLA]

Hi again, JiCajl1,
The tagging of the eaglets on the West End nest was filmed and that film must be available somewhere. Also, there is a beautiful film of the surrounding area, and if you are interested, ask one of the mods on their chat line if they can help you get to that.
That tagging was a whole-day event.  The biologists had to hike 2 1/2 hours, I think it was, to get to the aerie, and two of them
scaled the rock and climbed right onto it to get to the eaglets.  They were slow and quiet and friendly, and the eaglets were
fine.  It was truly amazing to watch and a great reminder of how special these scientists are as well.  Those eaglets are just
about the same age as the Decorah eaglets, and they also go back to visit the nest now and then, especially for dinner.

[jicaji1]

Thanks all for the information.  Saw the team of two on the bluff with the juvies.  Just amazing.  Thanks again and thanks for the link.

j.

[Nora in IA]

When I watched the video of them getting the eaglets I just loved watching the one sitting their just watching them put another one in the bag.    Calm is right and looked curious.

[jicaji1]

Nora, I too was amazed at how docile/calm they were in letting humans handle them.  I always thought that fear among wild animals was instinctual rather than learned.  I guess a bit of both applies, and also their age. 

[MythMerchantDocs]

Although I was particularly devoted to watching the Decorah eagles, I also periodically watch the two live Bald Eagle nest cams on Catalina Island (off the coast of California). Those nests (and several others on the island) are monitored by the Channel Islands Bald Eagle Restoration Project conducted by the Institute for Wildlife Studies.  You can still view the live cams on Catalina Island - the West End nest (three fledglings) and Two Harbors nest (one fledgling) - by accessing the link to the West End nest site: http://www.iws.org/bald_eagles/westendcam.html  You’ll also see a link to the Two Harbors nest after landing on this page. They are all flying, but the eaglets still hang out on their oceanfront nests and parents are still feeding.

I managed a few giggles today by watching this recent video from the West End nest on Catalina and hope you all enjoy it too. Like the Decorah nest, this ocean-view nest (that’s a multi-million $ view these eaglets have!) currently hosts very boisterous triplets and they too are so well cared for by their parents. You think Decorah E2 is loud? Enjoy this video of the two Catalina brothers speaking to their sister (who is sitting on top of the camera pole and therefore not seen….but boy, she can be heard!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQHBdVMO7tA

[Misty]

Hi Myth-
Hope this is where your new site ended up.  I've been watching Catalina off and on and loved the link you posted.  Thank you.  I especially chuckled when both e's simultaneously craned their necks - must have been watching sis.  Then they looked at other and started squeeing as if they were discussing what they just saw.  you were right about sis being vocal.  Sweet music to our ears!!

[Eaglelove43]

This is so cool..Thanks Myth!

[Eaglelove43]

I love the squeeing...reminded me of  E2/D1 

[WW JW]

That was an adorable video!  I especially liked the synchronized neck-craning from the two eaglets.