For better or worse, all our eyases have fledged. We, the human observers, often wish that last week on the ledge could be extended, so that we could enjoy looking at them a little longer. The young birds are so beautiful at that stage in their lives. Their perfect, pristine feathers contrast with remnant fuzzy, white down, and their dark eyes are accentuated by the black feathering on their heads. Their liveliness and vitality are pure pleasure to observe. Since the adults furnish a steady supply of prey, they get along very well, with just the occasional tug-of-war over prey. No one could describe this brood as food-stressed. They snuggle up together in fluffy piles, appearing deceptively cuddly and gentle.
Their life on the ledge is in the past now, but they're not off to seek their fortunes yet. First they have to survive the transition to attaining flight skills and to learning to sustain themselves by catching their own prey. Right now, they're awkward fliers, their landing skills are minimal, and they believe that food comes from their parents. They have a lot to learn.
