Waldo, Smith Rock's Latest Bald Eaglet has Arrived
March 21, 2021
Charlie Baughman, like a lot of raptor watchers at Smith Rock, is persistent. As the Bald Eagles hatched their eaglet pair last year on St. Patrick’s Day, Charlie was there at the nest on the 17th and saw no chicks. Saturday, March 20, in spite of fierce winds, he pointed his new camera with the 6X-15X magnifier and barely saw a chick. He named the new eaglet “Waldo” and asks you “Where’s Waldo?” Hint: Look to the far right of the nest. It is about 3 days old (2 to 4) today.
Here’s one of Mom leaving the nest for about 5 minutes, a sign that the egg had hatched. The chick or eggs should not be left unattended for more than a few minutes due to the cold, wind, or predators.
And here’s Waldo, just peeking up at the world.
Like we said earlier, there have been many patient birders out there, that have captured special moments along the way. Here’s some from Thomas Osborne back on February 25:
The nest is located in the top eighth of this single ponderosa off the canyon rim.
One of the parents continuously keeps the egg(s) warm.
The other parent comes in for the shift change.
The nesting parent gets in a wing stretch before taking off.
A few more a week later on March 1 also captured by Thomas:
A closer view of the nest position.
Hovering on one of the branches for a full look at the canyon below.
Thanks, Charlie and Thomas and all of the other persistent Bald watchers/photographers! We really appreciate your images and sharing in the excitement of the life cycle of the raptors here at Smith. We look forward to Waldo’s first flight and who knows? Maybe a baby brother or sister that emerges…