Eagle Updates for 2012

June 2-24:  Upon our arrival in the UP in early June, it was evident there was an eaglet in the nest. At the first opportunity to view a feeding, it soon became clear there were two eaglets. During the first week of June and into the second, there always seemed to be an adult in the nest or on a tree limb next to the nest. That quickly changed and the adults, although not far away, prefer trees nearby the nest tree. One of the adults can often be heard calling. The eaglets watch everything, sleep, preen, explore the nest, flap their wings, or cry to be fed. The amount of time spent sleeping has greatly decreased over the past few weeks. The amount of time spent calling for food has significantly increased.

This year's eaglets appear well developed. Last year's eaglet sometimes appeared to be in a suit a little too large and understuffed. This year's eaglets seem further along in their development and they have appeared adept at maneuvering in the nest.

Over the past week, the eaglets have grown quickly, and what were stubby wings only a couple of weeks ago have become impressively feathered. It is difficult to tell them apart, except at feeding time. While early on there seemed to be some orderliness to mealtimes with each getting a turn as the other seemed to wait, now feeding time is always frenetic with one seeming to demand all and clearly taking a larger portion. The other has a less aggressive approach but manages to get fed using his own tactics.

See the 2012 Eagle Banding

Both Gratiot eaglets are male.  The larger male probably hatched a bit earlier. He weighed 7.50 lbs. His smaller brother weighed in at 6.393. Average weight for a full grown eagle is about 12 lbs.

2010 Gratiot Eaglet