Day 949 Survival

The snow has been relentless this week, blanketing the eagle family’s nest in a thick layer of cold, white powder. For days, the diligent parents have huddled over their eaglets, shielding them from the harsh elements. But when the adults recently climbed off to hunt and feed, the nest cam revealed a heartbreaking sight: only two eaglets remained. Hundreds of thousands of viewers, myself included, watched with bated breath, hoping that tiny third head would pop up, eager for its share of food. It never did.

What happened to the missing eaglet? It’s a mystery that’s left us all guessing. The best theory seems to be that it succumbed to the freezing temperatures, perhaps still buried somewhere beneath the snow and twigs of the nest. With the camera rolling 24/7, you’d think we’d have seen something—anything—to explain its disappearance. Yet nature keeps her secrets well, and we’re left with no answers, only speculation.

Now, the nest is down to two eaglets, and the brutal reality of survival of the fittest plays out daily. Each little bird jostles for its share of food, a stark reminder of how unforgiving the wild can be. It’ll take a miracle for both to make it to fledgling status, but I’m rooting for them. There’s always a chance, right?

The parents, at least, are doing their part. They’ve been tireless hunters, returning to the nest with impressive hauls. Just yesterday, they brought back several birds—large carcasses that caught me off guard. I’d always pictured eagles swooping down for fish, not snatching up other birds mid-flight. But it makes sense when you think about it. Hawks circle my chickens all the time, eyeing an easy meal, so why wouldn’t an eagle take whatever it can catch? In the wild, a meal’s a meal, and I’m glad to see this family eating well, even if it’s at the expense of some unfortunate feathered neighbors.

Watching this unfold isn’t for the faint of heart. Nature’s beauty is matched only by its brutality. Predators soar overhead, ready to swoop down and turn you into their next snack. It’s a tough life out there—one I’m grateful to avoid as I tackle my weekend chores. Vacuuming might feel like a grind sometimes, but at least I don’t have talons circling above me! We humans have it easy, even if we don’t always realize it.

I’ll keep my eyes glued to the nest cam, watching for any sign of that third eaglet. Even if it’s just to see its tiny body tossed out, confirmation would bring some closure to this snowy mystery. For now, though, I’m cheering on the two survivors and marveling at the resilience of this eagle family. Stay tuned—nature always has more stories to tell.