Eagle Nest Update June 16, 2025

When I got to the Benbow Bald Eagle nest watching spot this morning I immediately heard the youngster crying. I know this sound from nests we’ve watched in the past. I was impressed with how loud and clear the voice was compared to how it sounded last week, when it was just beginning to use its voice.

*The view is often obscured, but the juvenile is so big now, if it is active, at least part of it can be seen.*

It took a while for the juvenile to emerge from behind the several branches that block the view into about half the nest bowl, but when it finally did, I was also impressed with its size. Adult feathers now cover the bird, and there is very little downy fuzz showing through. Unfortunately, I have not had a chance to see either parent alongside the juvenile in the nest for several weeks, as the parents have been leaving it alone while they stand guard nearby, so I can’t say for sure how fully grown the eaglet is.

*Checking out the leftovers situation while awaiting a fresh food delivery*.

Over the years I have seen a variety of food brought in to feed the fast-growing young eagle. Fish, Pacific Lamprey, Canada goslings, ducks, and unidentifiable things that might be carrion or partially consumed prey. But this year I have not seen a single food delivery all season. Obviously the juvenile is growing big and strong, so food is being delivered, just not while I am watching.

*This parent was about 100 yards upstream on a perch that is closer to the old nest that was used up until last year.*

I am guessing the eaglet is in the 9-10 week old range, which means it will fledge in another 3-4 weeks or so. Besides the strong voice on display today, the youngster practiced beating its wings several times, even managing to float up out of the bowl of the nest.

*In general, the juvenile is spending a lot more time upright and alert, sleeping far less, and taking in the novel sights and sounds of the world.*

In the 3-minute video below you will hear and see the juvenile calling a few times. You also will hear the more mature sound of the nearby adult calling from a distance. The young bird picks at leftovers, moves about the nest with ease, and takes note of a Steller’s Jay who pays a visit. Toward the end you will see the amazing beginning stages of eagle flight: legs and wings working together to get airborne, even if only for a second or two.