[TN-Bird] Eagles Nest - Fulton Co. KY - Photos of 3 young

March 27, 2004
Miss. RV. Levee
North of TN Line
Fulton Co. KY

I was looking at two adult Bald Eagles standing on the nest Saturday, when I 
noticed some white fluff fluttering in the breeze. I set up the scope and I 
first saw the top of one head and then the second. I was on the road at the 
bottom of the levee and started trying to get a shot of the distant youngsters. 
After a while the larger adult female started tearing up some food and the 
action started. I took quite a few photos when suddenly I realized heads were 
popping up that did not seem consistent with just two birds and before long I 
saw 3 
heads. One of these chicks is considerably smaller than the other two. Eggs 
are laid at intervals of several days, therefore there can be a considerable 
size difference in young. Three egg clutches are not the norm and "siblicide" 
is 
not unusual. In periods of food shortage the weaker are sacrificed and only 
the strong survive. 

The two larger birds were the ones I had been photographing and they even 
sparred with each other for food. It is possible that the smaller bird was not 
strong enough to get any food until the others had pretty well stuffed 
themselves. Hopefully there will be enough food to feed all three.

I've set up a photo page at:

http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/

Go to Eagle Nest page and click on thumbnails


Good Birding!!!

Jeff R. Wilson
OL'COOT / TLBA
Bartlett, TN


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