

17.23


EagleCAM
11/08/2018 at 7:18 AM ·
I have been in the Discovery Centre this morning, watching when I could. I am feeling optimistic about our nestlings. The weather is fairly mild and prey is plentiful. While SE21 is still pecking at SE22 and seeming to get the larger share of food, both are being fed. Big crops this morning show that. We have observed this sibling rivalry in the past and it is natural behaviour in our Sea-Eagles. While it may be hard to watch at times, it is Nature's way. The delayed incubation gave the second smaller chick a good start, allowing it to catch up somewhat. While food is plentiful, the smaller is getting a share, after the dominant chick has fed. We see SE22's submissive behaviour, lying low when pecked - then moving forward for a feed when the other is satisfied. Both are growing, moving around the nest and starting to pick up leaves and scraps. Those emerging feathers must be very itchy - and both are grooming.
It is our privilege to watch these magnificent birds, through good times and bad. They are wild free birds and unless in unusual circumstances, we let them live their lives as wild and free.
Ranger Judy