by: Larissa Smith: Wildlife Biologist/Volunteer Coordinator
So far twenty-one eagle chicks have fledged from nests in NJ. Eagle Chicks take their first flight around 11-12 weeks of age but weeks before that they’ll start stretching their wings, flapping and hopping around the nest. These activities help to strengthen the muscles they’ll soon need for flight. The next step is to start “branching” which means they they’ll hop from the nest to the branches of the nest tree. They’ll then take short flights to nearby branches to gain strength and confidence. After fledging they’ll remain in the area of the nest tree for several weeks to learn to hunt and practice flying.
