All spring I have been captivated by the nesting pair of bald eagles on Little Loon island on Squam Lake as they worked to raise a healthy pair of eaglets. Through the efforts of photographer Lee Grenier of Ashland who regularly photographed the pair and their fledglings, I have had a "birds-eye" view of this feathered family. Jim and I visited the nesting area several times, sitting quietly in our boat at sunset, watching the two eaglets stretch their wings, helicopter above the nest, and in general prepare to launch.
The nesting pair has done a terrific job. For the first time this spring, from studying their leg bands, we have learned that the male was raised 13 years ago on Quabbin Reservoir in Massachusetts. The female is 11 years old and comes the same general area on Little Quabbin Island. It is believed by biologists that they have been a pair since about 2003 and have raised all 12 young produced from the Little Loon Island nest.
Last weekend, the eaglets took flight. While still in the area, and still learning from the adult pair, they have begun their journey into independence. In late August, my youngest child heads to college. I can only hope that my efforts to nurture will prove as successful as those of these magnificent eagles.
