8:00am

Stu did some nice wing work. Was literally bouncing all around the nest - getting some nice height, but not staying in the air with a second wing beat yet. Just one lift and down - repeat, etc

8:02am

Parent arrived with a new branch. Landing with Stu in the way


Stu trying to back up and parent leaves the branch at the front edge


Parent wandered around Stu to the back of the nest. Picked up a branch and continued around Stu and placed the branch on top of Stu's neck - deliberately!!


I am not sure of the meaning of this maneuver, but Stu acted like he had to stay down. Made me think of teaching a dog the "down stay". Parent stayed at the far side of the nest, poked in the leaves as if after crumbs, looking over at Stu. Stu acted like he wanted to stand but didn't dare. Parent left and Stu has stayed down - finally going to sleep.

Bluebird1 and BETThanks for the updates...Gosh, the weekends here and as usual I'm bouncing around all over, not enough time in my day's to keep up with everything I want or need to keep up with

11:11... S2 being a lazy bones, crashed right now, right, or maybe left leg sticking out showing a beautiful talon! The parents definately know what their youngster needs in way of food...I haven't seen a really full crop for awhile now on S2, but he/she is obviously getting enough nourishment to sustain..

1212 pm

I just checked the cam - between innings. Stu is eating - looks like fish. I did not see the delivery.

At about 12:00 nest time parent dropped a small fish on the nest which Stu immediately grabbed. I didn't tape it because the fish was still alive and I'm squeemish with live prey so I left but came back to see Stu make short work of it! Parent was on and off so fast I couldn't even tell which one it was!

1:50pm

Another fish delivery. Dad arrives at the back of the nest. Stu moves up to investigate. Dad firmly holds onto the fish looking all about.



Here comes Mom



Mom and Dad exchange places


Mom takes over the fish. Begins eating the head. Stu right there ready for a share. After Mom ate the head and probably a bit more, she started feeding the waiting Stu. She fed him until about half the fish was gone and then she left leaving Stu to self feed the rest, which he is doing quite well.

Stu has had at least 4 meals that I saw today. And the day is only half over

I'm out for the night

Wonderful s'caps as usual, BET

Glad that you caught so many feedings, - Stu was more than ready for the hydration after yesterday's heat. I saw him standing for another hour and a half during the night, must have been warm overnight too.

I love the s'cap showing only S2's tail and feet, S2 is doing some high jumps now but I haven't seen him do sustained flapping either. Did some good flappercizing after this last feeding too from 2:08 to 2:11 pm.

It was cute to see him try the "undertail" manouevre to reach the fish while Mom was eating the head, unsuccessful though it was. Stu is managing the self-feeding well now as he polished off the last bits and tail end
ot the fish after Mom left.

3: 10 S2 had been resting on the back left side of the nest for the last 55 minutes (sometimes standing) but mostly down with wings half open when adult flew in from the right with a small fish and then left quickly as S2
was up immediately.

3:15 pm Now has taken fish to his/her favorite spot and is eating enthusiastically.