According to Birds of North America: for several weeks prior to first flight from nest (fledging), nestlings flap wings across nest and to adjacent limbs to practice flight, developing muscle strength, flight coordination, and (importantly) landing ability. Up to half of nest departures unsuccessful; such young may remain on ground for weeks before regaining flight ability; in most cases, parents will continue to feed these young.

3 photos posted:  http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/150392221    Click “next” in upper right corner to advance frames….enjoy!

According to the Birds of North America, during late nestling phase, the adult female provides about twice as much food as male; adults delivered food 2–8 times/day.  Early-morning period from sunrise to mid-morning accounts for many of the daily visits to nest.  Uneaten food from nestling often buried in nest under grass and moss rather than tossed out of the nest, perhaps to avoid attraction of mammalian predators to nest site.  At end of nesting cycle, however, numerous prey remains can be retrieved from under nest. Nestlings usually defecate over side of nest, leaving a pungent spray of “whitewash” on shrubs and saplings in the understory.

5 photos posted of chick in nest:   http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/150392210    Click “next” in upper right to advance frames….enjoy!

According to Birds of North America, both sexes hunt and feed young. Adult brings food to nest, tears off small pieces, and delivers them to young at early age. Male provides most of food in first 2 wk, while female tends young in nest.   After 3–4 wk, female delivers as much prey as male.  After 3–4 wk, young able to peck at food but not able to tear off food and feed self until 6 wk.

6 photos posted:  http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/150246788   Click “next” in upper right to advance frames….enjoy!!

The Bald Eagle chick continues to grow and add body weight.  It spends solo time in the nest while the adults are out doing the daily duties in other locations.

Feeding the chick continues and sometimes the chick remains low in the nest without poking its head up for any watchers to see!

5 photos posted:  http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/150246783    Click “next” in upper right to advance frames….enjoy!

The chick continues to receive regular feedings and is growing right on schedule.  What a treat to watch at least one adult feed and the chick receive regular feedings in late afternoon light.   The chick is starting to stretch its wings and making pre-flight flapping efforts.

More photos posted:  http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/149939192   Click “next” in upper right to advance frames…enjoy!

The Bald Eagles continue to feed teh single chick and can be seen making visits to the nest with regularity!

5 photos posted:  http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/149939187  Click “next” in upper right corner to advance frames….enjoy!

The pair of adult Bald eagles continue to be very busy around the nest feeding the chick.  They are constantly alert for all passing birds and other nearby activity!

The adult Bald Eagle was observed feeding the eaglet.  In this image the eagle is just forward of the adult and is facing the adult.  it is possible to see the eaglet through the sticks and is showing fuzzy head, neck, and bill.  Young eaglets grow rapidly and may consume as much as two pounds of fish per day!

4 photos:  http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/149753929   Click “next” in upper right corner to advance frames…..enjoy!

While checking on a Essex County Bald Eagle nest, a large adult Eagle flew directly towards my car in beautiful late afternoon light.  My camera gear was in the back seat but in ready mode.  The brkaes were applied and the there just enought time to hop out and capture a few flight images….how exciting!