Conserve Wildlife Blog

New Jersey Eagle Chicks Getting Ready To Soar

June 11th, 2013

by: Larissa Smith: Wildlife Biologist/Volunteer Coordinator

Shark River eagle chick © Tom McKelvey

Shark River eagle chick © Tom McKelvey

So far twenty-one eagle chicks have fledged from nests in NJ.  Eagle Chicks take their first flight around 11-12 weeks of age but weeks before that they’ll start  stretching their wings, flapping and hopping around the nest.  These activities help to strengthen the muscles they’ll soon need for flight.  The next step is to start “branching” which means they they’ll hop from the nest to the branches of the nest tree.  They’ll then take short flights to nearby branches to gain strength and confidence.  After fledging they’ll remain in the area of the nest tree for several weeks to learn to hunt and practice flying.

Fairgrounds eagle nest © Kevin & Karin Buynie

Fairgrounds eagle nest © Kevin & Karin Buynie

 

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