West Seattle wildlife: Lincoln Park’s baby eagle takes wing and flies

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Wildlife

Trileigh Tucker shares photos of Lincoln Park’s baby eagle as it “fledged” –

This means that he has successfully made it out of his nest tree and has an excellent prognosis. Half of baby eagles don’t make it on their first flight, and end up on the ground. If that happens, they still get fed by the parents until they’re able to fly, but obviously it’s a lot better if they can do it on their own.

Rob and I got to the nest (Tuesday) morning, and Rob was the one to confirm that the baby’s screeching was coming from the next tree over. (His musician’s ear made the difference.) Finally we found where the baby (whom we call “Ricky” after Little Ricky Ricardo, but others have other names for him) was sitting. Then I got to witness what I think was his second-ever flight, whee!

About an hour later, he flew for the third time, back to his nest tree, so we know that he’s able to set a goal and get to it – another really good indicator about his health. All of the good wishes that our wonderful Lincoln Park neighbor community has been sending him have paid off!

Trileigh has written about it – and the park’s recent controversy – on her “Natural Presence” website.

westseattledood July 18, 2012 (6:11 am)

Mom and Pop Eagle have done a splendid job. Fly high and long, LP eaglet 2012!

Jennifer July 18, 2012 (7:09 am)

Fantastic pictures!!!

35this35mph July 18, 2012 (7:12 am)

Pure magic! Thanks for the story and pix.

Jordan July 18, 2012 (7:54 am)

This is so awesome!

The Velvet Bulldog July 18, 2012 (8:34 am)

This one little event is SO much more important than a freakin’ zipline. Thank you for sharing, Trileigh!

Rick July 18, 2012 (8:39 am)

You GO guy!

Side B July 18, 2012 (8:57 am)

Couldn’t agree more with “The Velvet Bulldog”! This is the kind of thing that makes our neighborhood special.

Kim P July 18, 2012 (9:04 am)

Great shots Trileigh! We were there yesterday morning and could hear him calling from a different tree but couldn’t find him. A happy day!

enviromaven July 18, 2012 (9:09 am)

Thanks to Trileigh and WS Blog for reminding us how lucky we are to share our neighborhood with wonderful wildlife. Otters, eaglets, orcas…oh my!

sc July 18, 2012 (9:15 am)

The Eagle

He clasps the crag with crooked hands;
Close to the sun in lonely lands,
Ring’d with the azure world, he stands.

The wrinkled sea beneath him crawls;
He watches from his mountain walls,
And like a thunderbolt he falls.

Alfred, Lord Tennyson 1809–1892

miws July 18, 2012 (9:24 am)

Thanks, Trileigh and WSB!

That’s something to “go ape” over!

Mike

cj July 18, 2012 (9:52 am)

I heard an eagle yesterday and I was wondering if it was the young one. Unfortunately I also saw a young man with two hunting dogs running loose not far from the nest. They were running fast though the wood and sniffing out in seeking mode. Please we need to try and curb the dog problem in Lincoln Park, its really bad.

Jiggers July 18, 2012 (9:57 am)

This time of year, Eagles and other raptor’s(birds of prey) are starting to fledge its eyrie. It takes about three months for them to get to this point after breaking out of its egg. They still haven’t developed their white(Bald) head yet though.

Jtk July 18, 2012 (11:20 am)

“CJ” – Dogs are no different than kids, as long as they are on a leash….If you make that comment about dogs, you might as well say that about kids…… How about we curb the “kid” problem in Lincoln Park… There is room for everyone at the park… well.. except for maybe a zip line with screaming children on it… ;)

CDB July 18, 2012 (11:28 am)

Jtk:

Dogs are different from kids. Dogs are dogs and are required to be on a leash regardless of how many people do not think that applies to their special mutt. Kids, while they may behave like animals, are not subject to a leash law. I require my children to behave in consideration of others. It would be nice of dog owners to do the same.

Dennis Cheasebro July 18, 2012 (11:45 am)

For Jtk in case you or others still don’t get it: The particular concern here is that the dogs were loose and HUNTING. The park’s squirrels can take care of themselves, but if the eaglet had flubbed its first flight and been on the ground, it might have been toast.

Jtk July 18, 2012 (1:09 pm)

I am not an idiot… I am ONE that actually does leash their dogs…AND expect it to behave in public…. and you all missed the point.. i never once said that kids should be on leashes… all I meant was… kids are destructive in their own way .. as are adults and dogs… period… geez… people are so uptight… I was agreeeeeeeing with you … jesus… get a grip…

WSB July 18, 2012 (1:40 pm)

Sorry, the original name-calling comment shouldn’t have gotten through, but leaving the defense for any who saw the original one. – TR

vraxvalhalla July 18, 2012 (1:30 pm)

This is why WS can’t have nice things…like a Zipline. Thanks, you NIMBYs! /sarc

Peter July 18, 2012 (1:51 pm)

I just hope the eagle gets into a good college.

wswildlife July 18, 2012 (3:29 pm)

Awesome! Even more thankful the zipline was nixed.

Woodsman July 18, 2012 (4:40 pm)

I never forget moments whenever I see an eagle. Around here it is really a treat. The wildlife in West Seattle you gotta love it!

JeriO July 18, 2012 (5:00 pm)

I always feel like I’ve somehow found a little good luck charm when I see an eagle or an owl in the trees. We are so fortunate to have these moments in our big, busy, loud city. I have so many friends who live in other parts of the country who are amazed!…oh and maybe even a little bit jealous. :)

Denise July 19, 2012 (7:42 am)

This seems like such an event to celebrate…especially after the outpouring of community support for preserving Lincoln Park! We can look forward to many more years of eaglets from this wonderful pair of Lincoln Park residents!

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