News Summary
Gracie the eagle has laid her first two eggs of the season on January 3, making headlines across Hilton Head Island. After 13 years with her mate George, they are showcased live on the newly-installed Eagle Cam. Their nesting history includes past challenges, yet the public excitement for their new family journey grows. Experts anticipate more eggs may appear this season, and eagle enthusiasts can engage in a naming contest for the new chicks. The community is buzzing with eagerness and support for this natural spectacle.
Exciting News from Hilton Head Island: Gracie the Eagle is a Mom Again!
Big news is soaring through the skies of Hilton Head Island! Gracie the eagle has officially laid her first egg of the season on January 3, and just a few days later, her second egg made its debut too! The excitement surrounding this event is palpable, especially since this is Gracie and her mate, George’s, first season featured on the newly-installed Eagle Cam.
A Long-Standing Love Story
Gracie and George have been an inseparable pair for the last 13 years, raising their little eagles in a secret nesting location that has yet to be revealed. This year, they’ve opened up a little more to the public and are ready to show off their new home on the Eagle Cam. Watching them care for their chicks is a delightful experience, and many eagle enthusiasts are thrilled to follow their journey.
What Happened to the Original Nest?
For those who might remember, the Hilton Head Island Land Trust previously set up a Raptor Cam in 2021, which gained quite the following, pulling in an impressive average of 300,000 viewers each season. But there’s some bittersweet news—this nest is currently empty. It suffered damage from Hurricane Helene, causing the original eagles to abandon their home. However, the empty nest is still a focal point of interest as ospreys might be returning for nesting in February, straight from their winter vacation. Plus, it has witnessed many avian visitors in the past, including ospreys and Great Horned Owls.
Maybe More Eggs on the Way!
Experts believe that Gracie could be a busy mom yet again, as there’s a strong possibility she might lay another egg this season. Last year, she and George had three eggs, but unfortunately, one of them didn’t survive. Typically, eagles in this area lay two eggs, so it’s all bets on if Gracie decides to surprise us yet again!
Care and Nurturing
Once the eggs are laid, the parenting duties will really kick in! Gracie and George will share the responsibility of incubating the eggs, taking turns to keep them warm until they hatch—usually after about 35 days. This is a critical time, where eaglets are anticipated to hatch a few days apart, which adds more drama to the unfolding story. Once hatched, these little feathered tykes will grow rapidly, gaining around half a pound a week until they reach a robust nine weeks old.
Epic Feeding Moments!
Get ready for some eye-catching moments! Viewers can expect a behavior known as “bonking,” where eaglets vie for the food that Gracie and George bring back to the nest. It’s a wild sight as these young eagles establish their pecking order during mealtime. Eaglets will eventually fledge—meaning they will begin to fly away from the nest—in about 10 to 14 weeks after they hatch, marking another milestone in their journey.
A Chance to Name the Eagles!
As if things couldn’t get more exciting, the Hilton Head Island Trust recently launched a naming contest for the proud parents. Fans can participate, and there’s already buzz around two names, Harriet and Mitch, honoring historical figures linked to emancipation efforts. What a thoughtful way to connect this natural wonder to poignant history!
So, there you have it! Gracie and George are back on the Eagle Cam, taking care of business and hopefully soon bringing a new generation of eagles into the world. Keep an eye out for updates and prepare for some fascinating bird-watching ahead!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Gracie the Eagle News
- AOL: Bald Eagle Mom Lays Eggs
- Savannah Now: Bald Eagle Cam Naming Contest
- Wikipedia: Eagles
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Eagle
