May 11, 2011, A local biologist and professional photographer is out with permission from the landowner to get closer to the nest. After a short time, mother eagle comes to the nest to watch the human on the ground. The chicks don't seem to care. But mom arrived suddenly and perched on the front edge of the nest to watch the human intently. The biggest chick is looking quite dark this morning and has subsided with his obsessive itching and scratching. For several days, the nest appeared to be a frothing, boiling cauldron of heads bobbing up and down as they groomed their feathers. It's becoming more unusual to see her at the nest other than mealtime. Dad is on his favorite nearby dead tree, periodically looking at the human, then the river. He is just a swoop away from the nest but likes his privacy. Baby 4 is still thriving but obviously younger and not doing the grooming yet. The three bigger ones like to sit on the west side of the nest. Baby 4 snuggles down still in the east side of the nest by himself.

Mother is very protective. She's positioned herself between her babies and the human. She keeps her eyes on the human.

Unbelievable. Mom refuses to move. She's still planted between her babies and the human. It's hot, so the babies are resting. Mom has not left her vigilant perch.

Wonderful pictures, Sue - and interesting observations about the reaction to the photographer coming closer. I know that a lot of urban eagles seem to ignore most human activity - but I've also noticed that they seem very aware when someone is actually looking at them as opposed to glancing casually in that direction while walking by.

I suppose I should feel sorry for the photographer who may have only a series of pictures of a protective adult eagle, rather than the anticipated shots of four eaglets - but I find I'm admiring the eagle!

Mom is a little bored with the human, but she refuses to leave the nest. She occupies her time by picking pieces of food off of whatever carcass is in the nest. The chicks are full, so they don't seem very interested. Baby 1 is absolutely huge and dark. It's as if he morphed over the last few days.

Seems like all 4 eaglets are doing quite well, Sue. Thanks so much for sharing the great pictures and happy news with us. Especially glad to know that eaglet 4 is just fine and growing. Got a chuckle out of your descriptive word, "morphed". Love it!

Human is gone. Mother safely leaves the crowded nest. This is the fourth time the human has come to take pictures. It's very clear that mother makes known that she is guarding her chicks. I definitely see this as a pattern. I will watch this fascinating interaction between mother and human in her space. Perhaps she'll not feel threatened as the summer unfolds and babies get bigger. Maybe more pictures as the day cools off.

No longer cuddly looking fuzzy chicks, these four are becoming awkward adolescents. I have video of Baby 1 choking down a chunk of food twice the size of his head. It appears he can handle foot-long pieces of bone, gristle, or whatever it is they're eating. Sudden heat wave, and they just aren't prepared. Siesta is in order for most of the afternoon. If I can figure out how to do edit out 10-second snips of video, the reader of this thread will be in for a real treat.