Blog Post #3

The north woods of Minnesota are home to several types of birds. Bald eagles have made a significant comeback in the past decade and nest high in the pine trees here. Their nests can reach up to 12 feet across and weigh as much as a car. Bald eagles mate for life and once their nest is built, come back to the same nest year after year to raise their offspring.

Juvenile bald eagles do not look like the parent. They are a mottled brown and white and do not have the trademark white plumage in their heads until they are between one and two years of age. In this picture (top right), you can see a pair of juvenile birds that are trying out their wings and practicing the movements of flight. Sometimes when there is more than one bird in the nest, the stronger of the two will push the other one out of the nest at a very young age. This particular nest traditionally has two eaglets, and we have yet to observe one pushing the other out of the nest. This pair of bald eagles have been nesting here for about 4 years.

photos courtesy of Jeff Stager