A BALD EAGLE AT DUSK PERCHED HIGH ATOP THE BLUFFS NEAR CHAUTAUQUA, ILLINOIS OVERLOOKS THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER ALONG THE GREAT RIVER ROAD
EAGLE FACT(S)
AFTER THE EAGLE HAS "FLEDGED"(ACQUIRED THE NECESSARY FEATHERS FOR FLIGHT), IT REMAINS AROUND THE NEST FOR FOUR TO FIVE WEEKS, TAKING SHORT FLIGHTS WHILE THE PRIMARY FEATHERS GROW AND STRENGTHEN. THROUGH MONTHS OF "TRIAL AND ERROR" THE EAGLE ACQUIRES BASIC HUNTING SKILLS. OVER THE NEXT MONTH, THE YOUNG MEET WITH THEIR PARENTS TO BE FED, BUT HAVE LITTLE OTHER CONTACT WITH THEM. SIX TO NINE WEEKS AFTER FLEDGING, JUVENILE EAGLES LEAVE THE NESTING AREA. APPROXIMATELY 40% OF YOUNG EAGLES DO NOT SURVIVE THEIR FIRST FLIGHT.