Nest Building  28K 56K 100K
For the third year, a pair of bald eagles returned to build their nest on an island in the Connecticut River. During the nesting period both eagles collect the sticks that are woven into a rigid structure. They bring fresh pine branches to the nest daily.

Egg #1  28K 56K 100K
The eagles make a small depression in the nest and line it with soft material. The first egg appeared in this nest on March 10, 2000. A bald eagle's egg is slightly smaller than a domestic goose egg.

Incubation  28K 56K 100K
Incubation begins as soon as the first egg is laid and lasts for approximately 35 days. Since the female eagle is larger than the male she is better able to incubate the eggs, using her body to shelter her offspring. The male often feeds the female while she is incubating the eggs.

Egg #2  28K 56K 100K
The second egg usually appears within 36 to 72 hours after the first. Occasionally a clutch of 3 eggs will be produced.

First Chick  28K 56K 100K
The first chick hatched on April 15,2000. The chicks measure 4 to 5 inches at hatching and weigh only a few ounces. The parents feed the chicks a diet that consists mostly of fish. They capture the fish and tear it into small strips. The chicks snatch the food from the adult's beak and swallow it whole.

Second Chick   28K 56K 100K
The second chick hatched on April 18, 2000. Eagle chicks eat as much as they can at a single feeding, storing food in their crop, an organ located near the base of their neck.