Florida Fish and Wildlife: Juvenile Bald Eagle Nestlings Starting to Fledge Around This Time

By  //  May 6, 2016

Juveniles typically leave the nest around week 11

Bald eagle nestlings are starting to fledge (develop wing feathers large enough for flight) right now in Florida. So for the next 4 to 11 weeks they are learning to fly and hunt for themselves while still under the watchful eyes of their parents. (FWC image)
Bald eagle nestlings are starting to fledge (develop wing feathers large enough for flight) right now in Florida. So for the next 4 to 11 weeks they are learning to fly and hunt for themselves while still under the watchful eyes of their parents. (FWC image)

Florida has one of the densest concentrations of nesting eagles in the lower 48 states, with over 1,000 nesting pairs. 

Concentrations of nesting territories are clustered around several significant wetland systems throughout the state.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and others have monitored the population of nesting bald eagles in Florida for over 30 years.

Bald eagle nestlings are starting to fledge (develop wing feathers large enough for flight) right now in Florida.

So for the next four to 11 weeks they are learning to fly and hunt for themselves while still under the watchful eyes of their parents.

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Juveniles typically leave the nest for good at around 11 weeks, between April and July.

Giving eagles and their nests space gives these fledglings the best chance at learning the skills they’ll need as adults.

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Bald eagle nestlings are starting to fledge (develop wing feathers large enough for flight) right now in Florida. So for the next 4 to 11 weeks they are learning to fly and hunt for themselves while still under the watchful eyes of their parents. (FWC image)
Bald eagle nestlings are starting to fledge (develop wing feathers large enough for flight) right now in Florida. So for the next 4 to 11 weeks they are learning to fly and hunt for themselves while still under the watchful eyes of their parents. (FWC image)