The chicks are then banded, measured, and have blood taken for DNA work, as well as contaminant analysis (lead, mercury, PCBs, flame retardants, etc).
This eaglet is about 7 weeks old - it's starting to get it's feathers and isn't quite such a ball of fluff. They don't get their white heads until they are 5-6 years old.
This eaglet is much younger, probably about 5 weeks. You can see it has a lot more fluff. I'm the one in the hat. And no, I'm not a park ranger.
Eagle nest in a white pine along the Mississippi River. You can see the adult sitting in the tree to the left of the nest. The adults just kind of circle around and cry. They don't attack the climbers.
The chicks can't fly yet, and they actually are pretty docile. They are hard wired to not move around too much, otherwise they would just fall out of the nest. So, you put them on the ground and they just stay put and stare at you. Probabaly wondering when you are going to give them fish heads.
Jim, one of the climbers, from Eco Ascension Consulting. This guy was on the cover of National Geographic a few months ago - the Redwood edition. He and his crew go all over the world, climbing trees, cliffs, and into caves. Note his right hand is controlling the feet - the most important part of holding a raptor. Here's a little article about the project. (If you want to read more).
Waiting to be processed. Most nests had 2 chicks, several had three.
Mom hanging out near by, wondering when we're going to give her babies back.
Most of the nests were accessed by water.
Mark, from the Audubon. I'm not sure who looks more thrilled.
1 comment:
Wow, these pictures are great! You have an adventurous job. :)
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