Storm turns 7 weeks today!

At 7 weeks, Storm is about adult size and should weight around 6-7 lbs. This is the average weight, depending on the gender. Females are larger than the males since they are the egg layer and the primary incubator and brooder. Since the females are larger, they tend to defend the nest from intruders more often than the males. The males are smaller as they must be more agile due to the fact that they are the primary food provider and nest builder. 

Storm’s feathers will continue to grow into the initial flight feathers. The flight feathers used to branch and fledge are longer than normal in order to help with their first flights. After the first full molt, they will grow to a normal adult eagle feather length. The initial extra feather length gives them more lift and confidence to take that first flight. Storm’s feet and legs are now adult size.

We will see Storm using those new feathers by flapping and winger-sizing them throughout the day, as well and jumping up and down in the nest. This builds strength in the wings and legs to prepare for fledge. You’ll notice Storm doing a lot of wing stretches too, again it helps build strength in those wings 

At 7 weeks the eaglet will need plenty of food for growth and for strength. You will even hear Storm crying, or squeeing for food, even if the parent is not in sight. The parents should be stepping up the food deliveries at this stage to keep Storm satisfied. West Michigan has been dealing with some crazy weather this past week, sometimes that puts a damper on the fishing and hunting. We have seen a few lean days of food deliveries this week, however, rest assured that Storm is fine and can go without food for short periods of time.

Speaking of food, our voracious eaglet will be learning how to self-feed in the near future. To prepare for holding a fish down to self-feed, you’ll see Storm start to hold and play with sticks in the nest. This helps with grasping strength. Storm is already grabbing the food from the parents and trying to run away with it. Skye is pretty good at grabbing it back and taking control. Storm still relies on the parent for feeding as he/she cannot self-feed yet, or tear into the prey. We call that unzipping the fish or red meat. The eaglet will start to intently watch the parent with the fish or de-furring a squirrel, etc. They learn by watching the parents while still in the nest and beyond.

Speaking of beyond, Storm is now constantly looking over the side of the nest and all around. Storm is taking everything in and watching other birds fly around, they are very inquisitive. The eaglet is beginning to imprint on the natal nest area.  This is an instinct they have which helps bring them back to the nest after initial fledge and for returning to their natal nest area as an adult. More on that later and keep watching as next week will bring even more changes and growth!