North News: Winter
& Spring 2009
Feb. 4, 11*, 18, 25*, Mar 4, 11*, 18, 25*, Apr.
1, 8*, 15, 22*, 29, May 6(* Migration Data Only)
May 6, 2009
At the end of our tracking season, we have learned that these 4
birds act like individuals. Although all were trapped in NY, 2 of
the eagles have been sitting on nests for a couple months, but the
other 2 are putting on a lot of miles above Canadian landscape.
Compare 4 years of migration maps this week. What do they tell you
about eagle behavior? And a BIG thanks to Peter Nye and Glenn Hewitt
for their work and contributions to Journey North!
Try to imagine the view from above as the birds search for safe
and productive habitat this week. U25 appears to be homing in on
her area, in central Labrador, but our other migrant, U21 continues
to move about in Ontario. Explore how eagle adaptations give way
to human invention. And learn how duties are split between the male
and female eagle parents during nesting and raising young eagles.
Eagle Migration Update: April 22, 2009
The migrating eagles seem to have one thing on their mind; their
nesting grounds. Another week and the birds that are still moving
have continued on their pathways. Compare their paths with 2008.
All eyes will be on the Norfolk Botanic Garden eagles this week
when the eaglets are banded. Find out what spells trouble in the
nest, according to Peter Nye. And explore feathers and molting in
this week’s slideshow.
Conditions were great for eagle migration this week. The birds have
covered a great deal of territory. Compare their routes. Two of
our birds are sitting tight, maybe feeding eaglets by now. Watch
the eaglets in the nestcam as they grow and interact with each other
and the adult birds. What can you learn about nest behavior? How
are these little eagles built for survival? Examine one in detail,
and find out some interesting facts.
Our bald eagles are well on their way for this spring 2009 migration.
Warmer temperatures create thermals that help them soar towards
their nesting destinations. U 27 and S28 may just be sitting on
eggs already. They have held steady locations for quite some time.
Compare 2008 with 2009 to see if they have chosen the same nesting
sites this spring.
There is more migration action this week. All our eagles are now
in Canada. S28 must have chicks in the nest. Watch the eagle nest
cams for an interesting look at eagle behavior. Oklahoma bald eagle
has 3 chicks less than one week old. Explore the dot on the map
to find out more about eagle habitat. And view a sighter's bald
eagle nest in MO.
Today’s eagle map shows some surprises. Three of the eagles
have started on their spring 2009 migrations! How far did they travel
each day? Use the scale to calculate daily and total miles flown.
Will U21 continue to fly east? What were their routes the past 2
springs we have tracked them? Nye tells us they have a ‘fidelity’
for the same route. Study the maps to help you predict.
March 18, 2009
While we wait for the eagles to migrate, we’ll focus on nesting.
This is the time of year when eagles from many parts of the country
are feeling a strong, and natural, instinct to breed. Who builds
the nest? How do they do it? What is it made of? What does an eagle
nest look like? This week we have some good reading about eagle
nests. Take notes and get ready to write about what you learn. Keep
an eye on the eagle cam in Norfolk, VA.
There is a noticeable change on the map this week. The birds must
be feeling the longer days and getting the urge to head north. How
do you capture an eagle for tracking? Watch a slideshow of the release
of U27 after she was fitted with her PTT. Photographer Jon McRay
captured an amazing display of flight as two eagles lock talons
and cart-wheel through the sky. Watch an incredible act of nature.
Learn more about it.
Is it time to head North? Or, is it longer daylength that brings
restlessness to the birds when March arrives? Let’s watch
U25’s movements on an animated map this spring. Citizen reporters
share their eagle observations and you can learn about eagle behavior
from them. And, tune in to an eagle camera focused on a nest complete
with 3 eggs at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Photo:
The eagles continue to hold their positions, except for U25. Find
out where she is and predict where we will find her next week. How
do we identify eagles in the wild? Find out about a neat way that
biologists do this. Satellite technology offers us a valuable look
into the habitats of the eagles. It is a tool to help us protect
them. Learn more about reading sighting location data and find out
how to tell time, GMT time.
This week we take a close look at eagle eyes. Find out why a “bird’s
eye view” is so exceptional. Did you know bird eyes sometimes
weigh more than the bird's entire brain! Learn about their 3 eyelids
and how they protect the bird. Follow U25 on her amazing migration
journeys for the past 3 years. And don’t forget to submit
your questions to Ask the Eagle Expert!
Photo: Jon McRay
February 11, 2009
As our eagles settle into their winter grounds, we take a look at
fall migration behavior. Satellite technology allows us to study
the past 3 fall migrations to compare route and departure date for
our eagles. Will their flight itinerary be the same all 3 years,
or will it be different? Do the eagles have internal calendars?
Welcome to the 2009 Bald Eagle Migration Study! Our eagle expert,
Peter Nye (Eagleye) shares his greeting, and challenges all to follow
and compare this year’s eagle movements with past seasons.
Meet the eagles, read an introductory booklet, and read about the
history of the bald eagle population in NY State. And, start collecting
eagle vocabulary today with your very own glossary!
Welcome to the Bald Eagle Migration Study: Starts in February
Get ready for the trip! >>