SNN (ScrollingNetworkNews) ✿ ✿ Our Mel and Sydney returned to their nesting box with plenty of bonding occurring..but after 2.5 months of Sydney in the box from Dec 2013 to mid Feb 2014, the lack of prey gifts from Mel ( perhaps due to the severe and historic drought underway in California)and they have forgone the nesting process this year as many other raptors ✿ Compared to other owls of similar size, the Barn Owl has a much higher metabolic rate, requiring relatively more food. Pound for pound, Barn Owls consume more rodents – often regarded as pests by humans – than possibly any other creature. ✿ We remind viewers that sometimes owlets may not survive - the parents will dispose of things in "The Owl Way" -viewer discretion is advised, this is nature and the "Owl way". ✿ ~ ✿ “Animals, like us, are living souls. They are not things. They are not objects. Neither are they human. Yet they mourn. They love. They dance. They suffer. They know the peaks and chasms of being.” ― Gary Kowalski, The Souls of Animals ✿ Each species is a masterpiece, a creation assembled with extreme care and genius." ~ E.O. Wilson

Monday, June 11, 2012

Independence and Franklin Eagle Nest Cams

Three Bald Eaglets hatched during thunder showers at the American Eagle Foundation's “Eagle Mountain Sanctuary” aviary at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee May 7 & 8. The proud parents are non-releasable Bald Eagles “Independence” and “Franklin” (Indy and Frank)  – both permanently disabled due to gunshot wounds. This majestic eagle pair is in their 11th year of captive breeding at Dollywood. They pair-bonded in 2002, and have already produced 27 eggs and 24 eaglets, most of which have been released into the wilds of East Tennessee.


All three chicks broke out of their egg shells within a 30-hour period, which is unusual in nature, and are doing well.

They can be viewed on the AEF's “live” Eagle Nest Cam http://www.ustream.tv/americaneaglefoundation  via four video cameras that keep a close eye on their activities day and night - from snuggling peacefully with one another to occasional bouts of sibling rivalry  http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/22453639

The eaglets will be set free into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in about 13 weeks. At least one of the birds will be released in a special ceremony to honor fallen U.S. soldiers.

The eagle conservation group (www.eagles.org) promotes a campaign to help Keep America's Eagles Flying Strong and Free – and supports public education and eagle restoration projects nationally.

Cam 1 -- (Pan, Tilt, & Zoom Side View w/sound) http://www.ustream.tv/americaneaglefoundation
Cam 2 -- (Inside Nest View) http://www.ustream.tv/channel/aef-cam-2
Cam 3 -- (Inside Nest View) http://www.ustream.tv/channel/aef-cam-3
Cam 4 -- (Overhead Nest View) http://www.ustream.tv/channel/aef-cam-4

The nest of "Independence" and "Franklin" can be found about 35 feet up a steep hillside inside the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary aviary at Dollywood. The nest is a human-made structure, but the parents add sticks and other materials before and after laying and hatching their eggs.

Last yrs release of Indy & Franks eaglets