Avon Lake, Ohio -- 2018

[MaryF]

A post this morning on FB from one of the ground crew ---


Cindy Duffala‎ to Avon Lake Bald Eagles Nest

Good morning everyone!
I just wanted to give an update on our fledgling, Red…..
John & Barb were up at the nest early, around 7:30 yesterday morning. With not a lot going on. We got there after 9am, and saw a couple fish brought in, but other than that, not much happening. Mom & Dad were both in their second favorite tree, along the back tree line, most of the day. At least one was in that tree the whole day.
We were waiting and watching for Red to make a return.
Many of us spent the whole day there, and we were beginning to think that she wasn't going to make an appearance! Then, about 7:20, she showed up. Trying to make it back to the nest, we assume, but didn't quite make it. As she flew in, she went along the back tree line, not too far from Mom. As soon as she got to the tree line, Mom flew over near to where she landed. Unfortunately, as many may know, fledglings can fly fairly well, but don't know how to navigate, and definitely don't know how to land on a branch…. yet. Practice……
So, she ended up landing on a branch, but lost her balance and was hanging upside down…. typical…… She finally got herself to the ground after trying to get on a couple branches.
We got a brief glimpse at her before she hopped her way back into the woods. Annette, our friend from the Medina Raptor Center was there and felt she was ok, and at some point, one of the adults had fed her. She was not crying like a fledgling that hadn't been fed. Annette had many years of experience in rescue and rehab of Raptors…..
We will see what today brings…. I'll keep you posted!--

Strange landing Red ~ OOPS!!

- posted with permission of Cindy Duffala

[MaryF]

I have asked for permission of the ground crew photographers to post their photos here on HWF and most of them have graciously allowed me to do so! crew!!!!

ETA -- Sharon Thomas

Adding 4 more photographers to the list! everybody!!!

Nick Concilliere
Matt Urbach
Becca Marie
Robin Truly-Hillbery

[RitaR]

Hi Mary! What a beautiful photo you posted of the first fledgling! So they named it Red? Just peeked in at the cam and all 3 of them are on the nest. They are drenched.

[RitaR]

Sunday June 24, 2018

Hi Mary. Took a peek in a the nest this morning. I only see one eaglet out on a side branch. Maybe the other two are in branches out of view. Or perhaps they have fledged.

[MaryF]

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Hi Rita! Those who go to the nest and post on the FB page say that the small male branched today. I'm going to check again to see if they know any more.

ETA -- I was correct--the small male eaglet branched today AND the other larger, most likely female eaglet, fledged today!

[MaryF]

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Since the nest is empty right now with the eaglets out learning their flying skills I think it's a great time to post some beautiful photos taken by the folks who go to the nest mostly on weekends. I'll start with some surrounding the fledges of the trio and then I will just post some from June. get ready for some outstanding photos and THANKS to the photographers who gave em permission to post them!!

I did not see any photos of White's fledge and the ones of Red were not taken by photgraphers who gave me permission but we have Blue's first flight! These three are property of and courtesy of Richard Kopchock


There he goes! Blue is the smallest and most likely male eaglet

Right over the photographer! WOW!

Reach for the sky Baby blue!!

[MaryF]

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Red coming in for a landing. Photo property of and courtesy of Joetta Nicoletti

A poetrait of Red in an oak. Photo property of and courtesy of [bJoetta Nicoletti[/b]

One of the eaglets on the ground--not sure which one. It looks like it doesn't want to touch the grass with those wings Photo property of and courtesy of Richard Kopchock

[MaryF]

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Red being chased by a Cooper's Hawk. I bet that was a surprise! Photo property of and courtesy of Richard Kopchock

What a catch! Red doing a flyby--Stripes on the left and Stars on the right. Photo property of and courtesy of Richard Kopchock

A bit dark but here is Red on the ground probably wondering how she got there. Photo property of and courtesy of Cindy Duffala

[MaryF]

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WOW---what a shot! One of the parents(Dad?) ready for takeoff! Photo property of and courtesy of Michele Bobinski

This is a wonderful shot of Dad rousing and showing off his brood patch. Photo property of and courtesy of Teresa Walker

The trio in the nest. Photo property of and courtesy of Frank Duffala

[MaryF]

From 6/15 --

Check out these beautiful wings!! Coming at you! Photo property of and courtesy of Richard Kopchock

From 6/17 --


The "twins" having an intense conversation with little brother listening in LOVE this one !!! Photo property of and courtesy of Richard Kopchock

Stripes giving us all a "high 4" Photo property of and courtesy of Michele Bobinski

[MaryF]

From 6/17 --


Stripes!! What did you say to me?? Photo courtesy of Michele Bobinski

Handsome Dad---be still my heart! Photo courtesy of Michele Bobinski

Beautiful mom taking off for who knows where. Photo courtesy of Richard Kopchock

[MaryF]

From 6/17 --


Such a stern look Dad---very eagley! Photo courtesy of Richard Kopchock

From 6/19 --


Red doing some nice wingersizing the day before her fledge. Photo courtesy of Joetta Nicoletti

Take a look at the whopper that Mom is taking to the nest!!! She had to stop and rest at this point. Photo courtesy of Richard Kopchock

[MaryF]

From 6/23 --


Mom on a breezy evening. Photo courtesy of Joe Oppedisano

A close encounter with Dad. Photo courtesy of Teresa Walker

Mom doing a wonderful back lit rouse, Photo courtesy of Teresa Walker

[MaryF]

All three of these photos are from 6/23 ans are courtesy of Richard Kopchock

Red telling her parents how hungry she is---Dad takes off

Mom--Mom---look how beautiful my wings are (Red)

How about a little smooch Stars???

[MaryF]

6/25 --


WOW! One of the eaglets doing a rouse on the ground. Photo courtesy of Richard Kopchock