White-bellied Sea Eagles in Australia ~ 2014

[Birdfriend]

10.August

7:16 cam time
I watch since 6:30 and i cannot see little SE18. Only SE17 is visible. I have read, that the food situation is not good, maybe SE18 is starved, it would so sad. I don't know exactly at this time, what is happen.

from chat:

is it confirmed that 18 didn't make it? If so, very sad, but it's all a part of the circle of life in any species, even our own. But I'll still watch 17 grow and flourish, and Lady and Dad can lavish all their care on the survivor.

...

im thankful 18 had a fairly peaceful last day, not much aggression

when the ustream video is available, at around 06:34 mom has that ball of stuff in her right foot by the edge of the cup, 18 looked to be just below laying with head near the top of the cup. i'm not being ghoulish

[Mamicja]

It seems, that SE18 has passed away last night, there is only SE17 in the nest

[Birdfriend]

Official statement from EagleCam Team:

Sad news
SE18, the younger and weaker of the two Sea-Eagle chicks, has apparently died overnight. It is no longer visible in the nest and is probably under the leaves lining the nest bowl. Its death was probably a result of a number of factors including insufficient food, sibling rivalry, poor weather conditions previously - essentially, failure to thrive. It may even have been suffering from an unknown disease or virus. Rivalry between raptor offspring is common, and frequently one chick may not survive, particularly when food is scarce. Parents feeding the young are not "fair" by our standards and will feed the most persistent chick. This is survival of the fittest and gives the remaining chick an even better chance of survival. it is common that only one chick survives.
The wonderful news is that the stronger eaglet SE17 is eating greedily and appears to be growing well. Warmer sunny days have fluffed out its down. The male is bringing in plenty of prey.
We are continuing to watch carefully for any signs of the little eaglet, or if its body is removed. However our research protocol means we do not approach the nest area at this very sensitive stage of breeding. Any disturbance could disrupt their behaviour and threaten the surviving eaglet.
Although this death is sad, these are wild birds and life can be harsh by our standards.
Again, it is our privilege to watch the lives of these magnificent hunters.

[Birdfriend]

For this nest gives it not luck or happy end, really sad.

[Birdfriend]

[Kinga83]

My heart is broken, RIP SE18

Some beauty pictures today abou Dad and SE17(Cam time aug. 10.)
I hope SE17 will be strong and beauty eagle!

[Birdfriend]

11.August

Feeding and full crop:


Dad:

[Mamicja]

August 12th

Fortunately SE 17 is doing well.
Morning...

and evening in the nest.


Lady is very careful and chases ravens. Video by Magilla https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iexmGPV ... e=youtu.be

[Birdfriend]

15.August

[cling09]

i saw se17 on live, it is so adorable,
any 1 has a video about se18 died?
i keep search video archive , but tired.

[Kinga83]

Birdfriend very beauty pics, thanks
Welcome cling09 I didn't see video about this sad event.

Our baby is very strong and healthy, fortunately

[Birdfriend]

17.August

Kinga83!

SE17 grows well until now. I watch you!


Feeding

[Kinga83]

[quote="Birdfriend"]

I watch you!
Nice pics!

I made a picture collage today about our baby

[Birdfriend]

18.August


I'm not beautiful?


I'm already busy with decoration from my home.

[Malewitsch]

from fb

[Kinga83]

Nice pics, thanks for everyone
Cam Time 08. 20. morning
Monster fish arrived by Dad. Breakfast

[Birdfriend]

23.August

Mommy Lady and SE17


Look at this crop!

[Lubaska]

August 24th

Few pictures from late afternoon.

Feeding


Pin feathers


Getting ready for night

[Kinga83]

Hello
Thanks for the beauty pictures SE17 is very strong and healthy eagle
Cam time 08. 26.
Morning preening

[Cessie]

Thank you Hellem!
I found your post with link to this forum!
Fancy finding Birdfriend here!
Beautiful chick! Full crop!