 Three eaglets and one parent in the nest on April 22.
The three eaglets, who all appeared for the first time on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ EagleCam on March 30, are now about 4 weeks old. They are continuing to grow rapidly, with several notable developmental milestones underway.
In their fourth week of life, their soft gray down is becoming thicker, and signs of darker juvenile feathers may soon appear. The chicks are also gaining strength and coordination. Movements that were once unsteady are now more controlled, with the eaglets sitting upright more confidently, stretching their wings and engaging in early wing-flapping behavior. These initial “practice flaps” play an important role in developing the muscles needed for flight.
Feeding activity has become more active as well. The eaglets are increasingly alert and assertive during mealtimes, competing for food and responding quickly when an adult returns to the nest. Their appetites continue to grow alongside their development.
In addition, the eaglets are beginning to explore their surroundings within the nest. They may move around more frequently, interacting with one another, and showing greater curiosity about their environment.
Although they remain fully dependent on the adult eagles for food and protection, the eaglets are progressing steadily toward greater independence. In the coming weeks, viewers can expect to see behaviors such as hopping and branching.
The DNR will continue to monitor activity at the nest and provide updates as the nesting process progresses.
The DNR EagleCam live stream is available on the DNR website at mndnr.gov/eaglecam and on the DNR YouTube channel. Follow along throughout the season to learn more about bald eagles and the lives of breeding birds!
Stay up to date on DNR EagleCam activity by following the Minnesota Nongame Wildlife Program Facebook page for educational content throughout the nesting season.
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