Bird Cams Around the World

Southwest Florida Eagle Cam shared their note.
16 mins ·
For all those inquiring or worrying about E8, see our note from last year on sibling rivalry. Sibling rivalry varies between nests & seasons and depending on food availability and the age between the eaglets.
If you become emotional, we ask you turn off the cams and please do not contact authorities or our friends at CROW - Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc..

Southwest Florida Eagle Cam
January 15, 2014 ·

Sibling Rivalry
It’s been a tough few days at the nest as many have observed the aggressive actions of sibling rivalry. Survival of the fittest isn't a catch phrase in the Bald Eagle world, but necessary to continue their species. Sibling rivalry varies between nests -depending quite a bit on the amount of food provided. Even when food is abundant, it is not uncommon to see some sibling competition – lessons learned which will help them cope when they are on their own. In general, the first 20 days is when aggression is seen, but can be longer. As they get older, sibling rivalry lessens. There are no “bullies”, just eaglets trying to survive.

Parental interference between sibling aggression is uncommon although adults have been observed ending the aggression by merely stepping between the eaglets; by adopting a posture that suggests a feeding, but not presenting any real food; or begin brooding. Adults have even been seen to take hold of aneaglet’s beak to end the aggression.
Eagles live day to day with harsh realities that are completely normal to them. It brings new appreciation to nature when you see how these magnificent eagles survive in the wild.

We are observers & spectators; given the rare and unique opportunity to witness these eagles survive in the wild.

If you have any specific questions to the camera or events that have occurred, please use our moderated chat function on the viewing page. Our dedicated team of expert volunteers is available to help answer and educate viewers on the actions & developments occurring in the nest.

- The Southwest Florida Eagle Cam

Dad is eating and also feeding E7. E8 is not even trying to get up. I don't think E8 has eaten anything since last evening. Unless something changes, this is not looking good.

4:04pm
I haven't been able to find a feeding for E8 since yesterday (2-15) morning, when he got a few bites. (I'll keep looking.) E8 continues to peep, E7 is resting - s/he appears to have a decent crop.
The banner at the top of the page reads:
"Hatch dates: E7 1/26; E8 1/27. E8 rescued 2/9 by CROW, line removed, returned to nest 2/12. Both Harriet and M15 covered the eaglets thru the rains early a.m. 5 fish have been delivered today so far." (Posted 3:55pm)

4:15pm E8 continues squeeing for food. Parent standing there. E7 was napping... check his/her crop:


4:17pm In the 2 minutes it took to post the pic to PB, parent is now feeding E7 and E8 is in submission.

4:23pm Parent continues to feed E7; in between bites (the fish looks tough), E7 gives several wing twists and bonks. E8's head is down, hidden. Bless his little heart-whenever E7 is taking his food, E8 is chirping away nonstop!

Hi, Sky!
Feed and chirping continues. Hoping that Parent is trying to stuff E7 into a food coma!
(There are 5 (FIVE!) fish in the nest (2 brought by Harriet and 3 brought by M15). I know we are watching instinct - but I think the parents have a plan!)

Bonbon, I saw E8 get fed last night shortly after the night lighting came on. One parent got between E7 and E8. At that point, E7 fell asleep and E8 was fed mostly by one parent, but both tried to feed. There wasn't much fish left and the little tyke did not get much. I am hoping, the same thing will happen later. There's enough fish on hand to stuff E8 to the gills. He must be dehydrated. It was a warm day today and everyone was panting. He seems OK though, as he perked up a bit when E7 was fell asleep. I did see a poop and some preening.

Even though I watch eagles, I don't even come close to understanding them...LOL...each nest has its own personality, and I think the parents have a lot to do with it.

I've watched several of the Berry Feeds today~mind you, they could be totally different tomorrow~B6 and B7 are so close in age, but it hasn't stopped B6 from getting in a few good bonks and B7 does a face plant~but not for long!! Mom, so far, has done a good job in dividing up the food, even to the point of bypassing the gaping mouth of B6 in favor of B7...Maybe that's part of the key a parent teachers the kids~doesn't matter if you bonk you're not getting the food, I'm still gonna wait until your sibling gets up so I can feed it...We'll see if that continues. LOL

Thank you Nadia and Sky!
Something is definitely distracting Harriet(?) right now. A few minutes ago, the little one quickly grabbed 3 bites that were offered by Harriet stretching across from him. He seemed so timid - but hungry... and still peeping.
E8 tried to eat a piece of nest material! Thank goodness Parent took it out of his mouth.
(So glad to hear he ate a bit last night. He still seems quite spunky!)

You're so right, Sky - each nest has it's own "personality." Ma and Pa Berry are such a delight! The NE Florida cam is another good one - I have seen a bit of rivalry on the NE cam, even though they are so much older; interesting - the bonking there seems to be 'mutual' since the eaglets have grown - especially when food is delivered!

Thanks again!

E8 is finally getting a decent feed! E7 started trying to peck him but...E7's crop was so big he had trouble pecking E8 cause he'd end up leaning on his crop & couldn't reach E8 with his beak! He eventually gave up & let E8 eat!

Thanks cat. I just saw the same thing. So nice to see E8 getting some food with E7 being a spectator instead of a bully. E8 actually has a crop!!. Hoorah! I feel better now. Mom is doing the feed and E8 is ravenous.

E8 had a nice, long feed! He should sleep well tonight!

I think the nest is empty of food now. Mom is still checking for nestovers, but he should be good for now!

Mom is giving E8 a little TLC. She is actually brooding the chick and subtly moved E7 out of the way. Nice to see E8 getting some nice treatment for a change. I suppose Mom does know best. Looks like there may be a fish on the right side of the nest. Some food for a midnight snack.

Thanks everyone! Have been away from cam... such great news.

Found this from a poster on SWFEC FB who found it posted @ Berry: "The Horrors Of Bonking Continued" by Rivkeh Ahmad. Be sure to view the video after the article.

"Conowingo Dam Bald Eagles" by Mike Lemery