On Friday, June 19, the sky had the appearance of rain, and thunderstorms were predicted. But the day cleared, the thunderstorms receded, and the paddle went ahead. About fifteen of us (guided by ranger Nick Thomas of BESP and Ed of Tussey Mountain Outfitters) went across the lake.
The eaglets had begun to fly during the past week, and only one of the three was near the nest when we first paddled over in kayaks and canoes. Along the shore, a second eaglet was seen, and once seen, the eaglet relocated (and demonstrated that landing is a skill to be developed rather than automatically acquired).
Sue then spotted an adult bald eagle farther to the east, and we paddled in that direction. At the place we stopped to admire the eagle, Sue next saw that an eaglet was perched in the trees opposite us. Fine views and good photos!
At about the time we were ready to head back, Ed saw that the three eaglets had gathered nearby the nest tree, and we turned and went back to the nest. Two eaglets were in the nest tree itself, and they were making an incredible racket. I don't know whether it was in response to us, the paddlers, or whether they wanted dinner.
The adult bald eagle (let's call it Dad, in honor of Father's Day) flew into the nest tree. Whatever piercing calls the youngsters were making became many times louder. Then the third eaglet (first photo below) flew toward and then braked to land into the nest tree.
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(The photos are not as clear as I'd prefer, because daylight was all but gone, but I like the sequence, which occurred within seconds.)
As the third eaglet has its talons out in front to land, Dad takes off and leaves the nest tree (no doubt muttering to himself, Enough is enough).
