Q. How do YOU view the eagle's nest? How can you see them so clearly?

A. The camera was installed with a direct line into our home. That line is connected to a TV monitor and we watch as if it were a television program, our own "Discovery Channel" if you like. No five second refresh, no black outs, no "NO VIDEO" messages. We can see their every move, those huge feet we speak about, and exactly what is brought to the nest and when. We videotape the comings and goings for scientific documentation or just for watching at our leisure.

Q. How do both eaglets fit in this nest when they flap around since their wingspans are as large or larger than their parents are?

A. It seems they have been taught "nest etiquette". When one is flapping, the other rests. Eating seems to be the only activity they stand to do together. This nest is huge, approximately 7' x 8' now.

Q. Are both eaglets fed the same amount?

A. Yes, the parents make sure they are fed alike. One may not receive as much food at one time as the other but will at the next feeding. In addition, I watched as dad eagle brought in two items at once. Mom eagle does most of the distribution. Lately, we've had more rain than sunshine but on those warmer days, water intake is received from greenery brought to the nest or within the food given.

Q. You have spoken about waterfowl in the ponds under the nest; do the eagles ever come down underneath the nest?

A. As was explained to us, there are too many snags and too much brush for such large birds to maneuver themselves and fly underneath the nest but to my amazement I witnessed one of the adults' fly down and perch on the top of our greenhouse shed under the nest. He stood at least 3 feet tall! So much for the fact that they won't come down under the nest!

Q. We were notified that an unofficial Kent Eagles Comment Board has been put together for wildlife enthusiasts, bird-watchers, schoolteachers, families or anyone interested in making a comment about the EagleCam or these nest inhabitants. What is the address?

A. The address to add your thoughts or a comment to is: http://pub22.bravenet.com/forum/show.php?usernum=1841773557

Q. The eaglets are flapping their wings a lot, does that mean they will fly soon?

A. Honestly, we don't know exactly when they'll fly but the wing-flapping you're seeing is exercise to built strength. Additionally, that flapping sometimes causes quite a stir with the other eaglet if s/he accidentally on purpose, whaps the other in the face with those huge wings. The eaglet receiving the flap in the face looks up at the other as if to say, "Enough already, would you just sit down!" followed by an almost angry pecking, then at times it's as casual as "Oh, THAT'S how you do it", silly precious birds. Then there are the landing lessons, another topic in itself.

In 2000, the eaglets fledged at 3 months of age, one by accident, and the other one on purpose. This year's young have been doing "acrobatic workouts" recently and at times, it does look as though they're going to take off but they just don't have enough strength in their wings to fly yet. They're still sleeping on their faces 75% of the time, something you don't see too many adult birds doing. They sit and call out to their parents, a slight and low-pitched squeaking we can hear from the ground now. Sweet music to my ears. They will start "branching" before they fly too. "Branching" is their courage builder and typically lasts a couple of weeks. We've not seen any of this yet. It would be difficult to go from the complete security of a warm, safe home with food to deliberate or accidental insecurity, prematurely.

Q. It looks as if the babies are very close to the edge of the nest. What happens if one falls out?

A. Please remember these birds are wild. Mother Nature will take care of necessary situations. We do have emergency Wildlife Rescue Specialists and their telephone numbers just in case any circumstances arise, day or night. We have also been given a crash course on eaglet care and handling. Birds fall from nests in the wild all the time, hopefully that won't happen here (undoubtedly we're sure all of you feel the same way too). These two are very good parents. From the research we have read it explains that "bird parents" are aware, we can only hope they will know what to do in this case. Thank you for your care and concern and believe me, we are just as concerned.

Q. Why do the parents sit with their mouths open? They always seem to be looking straight up? Are they upset?

A. They sit with their mouths open because they don't have sweat glands. It's been explained to us that its similar to the reason a dog pants on a hot day. Usually they're looking up at an unwelcome visitor. It could be anything from an airplane or helicopter to other birds. Sometimes crows and steller's jays swoop over top or sit above squawking loudly enough they wake the "kids". Sometimes those geese fly by too. And occasionally that 'third' eagle makes its presence known.

Q. Do the previous offspring ever come back to their "home" nest?

A. Last Sunday an immature eagle soared above the nest making a nice presentation to mom and dad. Could he/she be from a previous year? We'll never absolutely know for sure but they do (separately) go out and soar with them for a few minutes. This has happened every year after new offspring have arrived.

Q. The nest looks tilted and the camera seems to be further away this year. Is it? What is that white rectangle on the limb out from the nest?

A. The nest isn't tilted. It may look that way on your computer screens but it's just that one side is a bit higher than the other is. The parents continually add sticks to the front side (your view) of the nest as well as the backside. If sticks don't fit or aren't placed correctly (as their "Eagle Nest building Manual" states), they fall to the ground where we are given the opportunity to deal with them. Hi Garry, thought you'd like that!

Now, in reference to the camera's distance. It is a bit further away but in reviewing videotapes from last season, it really isn't that much different. If you would like to find out particular information about the camera setup write to Mr. Timothy K. Brown, his email address is on the webpage. Tim voluntarily climbs this huge tree to install the web cameras so we can all enjoy an outstanding view. You might ask him about the other wonderful cam projects he's dealt with too!

That "white stuff" is guano. One of the most efficient muscles in the eaglet's body is their sphincter muscle. They can project an amazing distance horizontally at this point before it drops vertically. Remember Garry's white coffee? Which brings to mind...I should know better than to be underneath the tree at this time of year for any length of time, but while gardening a few weeks ago I ended up being sprayed all over (doused is much better word actually) with this stuff. I'm much more careful and will stay clear of what sounds like rainfall on such a nice sunny day.

Q. During the eaglets hatching, does she continue to sit on the egg or stand aside?

A. As far as we can tell when the new hatchling is emerging, both parents are at the nest and both seem a little fidgety. Most of the time mom stays in the nest and dad is out and away but comes back in to check on the progress. They do trade places quite often and each stands and turns, sits a while, stands and turns, sits a while and so on. This continues until the chick has completely emerged. With each hatching though mom has been sitting "at the time of birth". She stands and dad (not being far away) comes back in and they both look at the new youngster as if to say, "It's here!

These last few days have been a busy time for mom and dad eagle, as will be the next few weeks and months. These two little ones are fed about every two hours. Mom and dad have been bringing in all kinds of food. Fish, rodents, snakes and other birds. They seem to keep a good supply of food in the nest. We see them bring in fresh but they sometimes prefer to use previous items too. These two won't go hungry that's for sure. Don't be alarmed but mom again brought in a fish with line and sinker still attached. This produced what seemed to be anxious moments for mom eagle and definitely for this momma "Worry Wart" (referring to me). She did manage to handle it just fine and all is well. We have found fish under the nest again (great organic rose fertilizer). Hmm....dad not making it to the nest again we see. Then, on another note the leaders with hooks and bait have been found too.

Q. Why are our tax dollars being spent for this? Aren't there other ways to use these funds?

A. The EagleCam and the Watchable Wildlife Program is funded by donations of time and money from businesses and private citizens. The EagleCam is possible because of some very special volunteers. The Personalized License Plate (PLP) program funds much of the WDFW Watchable Wildlife program to include the new WildWatchCam series. If you would like to help continue what you're seeing on this site, please note the address on the EagleCam webpage where donations can be sent. Also, if you are a Washington resident, if you have ever thought about getting one of those unique license plates with a personalized message, NOW is the time. The cost is minimal with 95% of the cost going toward these programs. The EagleCam is what that money helps provide-the opportunity to view this beautiful sight.