As those of you who were watching the Minnesota Bound nest cam over the weekend already know, Harmon did leave the nest for the first time (on his own) early Saturday evening. Throughout the next few hours, he did come back several times. This is all very common and normal. The nest is the only “home” he’s known, and while he is making small flights to explore his world, the nest represents familiarity. It is possible he might visit again, though far less frequently as he gains confidence and masters the physics of flight.
When eagles (or any other raptors) “fledge”, they are adult-size and weight. They might appear a bit bigger than their parents, however, as their feathers are just a bit longer. It is generally accepted/recognized that in the first year of life, eagles’ flight feathers are a bit longer in comparison to the same feathers on adult birds. This extra length gives them a bit more stabilization and wing surface area to make learning to fly a bit easier, much like having training wheels on a bike for us as we learn that particular skill.
When eagles molt, or replace their worn feathers with new ones in subsequent years, not only will those flight feathers be a bit shorter after the first year, but head, tail and wing feathers in particular will look much different. Pictured here are the same feathers (primary #2) from an adult eagle (first), and a juvenile (second picture). See the pattern in the juvenile’s feather? It is often hard to see unless the wing is outstretched. Each juvenile, while the shape of the feather will be the same, will have subtle differences in the pattern of the feather, and as they molt, that primary will look different until it is an adult.
Lead is a risk to wildlife and the natural places we all share and enjoy so much. While supplies last, we will be handing out small samples of non-lead alternative tackle. Be a part of "getting the lead out", and support students who are making a difference! 
