The Eaglet Flies - What's Next?

In only 2 to 3 months Eva's eaglet has grown to its mature size and now learned to fly.

The last two mornings as the sun rises the fledgling was seen flying in circles around the nest that Eddie built in the Broadmoor Golf Course. It was almost as if you could hear the cries, "Hey, Mom look at me! I can fly...

I can fly!"

There is no longer any doubt Eva and Albert's young eaglet has fledged!

Last year Si'ahl was one of the names suggested for the 2012 eaglets. Chief Si'ahl was the chief of the Duwamish people and the person for who the city of Seattle was named. Naming this year's bird Si'ahl links it to a strong and peaceful leader in a time of great change. It also links the bird to the native people who historically lived here in an environmentally sustainable fashion. Finally, it links the bird to all of us who live in the current and future city of Seattle. The hope is that this young eagle will be a living symbol to remind us of our past and challenge us to consider our future.

Even though Si'ahl has learned to fly and is as large as its parents the fledgling is not yet as mature as its parents. This morning the youthful Si'ahl seemed to be trying to figure out its role in the world. Si'ahl spent a great deal of effort attacking..

..the top of the nesting tree.

After a few miscues..

Si'ahl succeeded in catching and retaining a fir cone.

However the process of actually eating the seeds turned out to be a bit of a sticky wicket, so to speak.

See the video!

Si'ahl ultimately gave up on trying to be the world's largest Pine Siskin and was last seen heading north toward Union Bay. Hopefully, in search of the more appropriate fish or fowl.

By the way as you may have noticed in the video Si'ahl has a white spot in the middle of the chest. This mark may help make identification a bit easier at least until this set of feathers grows out.

Si'ahl and the city of Seattle have a lot in common. They are both relatively young and still figuring who they will be when they grow up. Compared to other cities like Rome, Istanbul, London and even New York, Seattle is just a fledgling. We in Seattle have choices to make about the future. Like Si'ahl we have great potential. We could show the world what it means to be a world-class, 21st-century city. The University of Washington could continue to lead the way in finding sustainable technologies. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation looks set to help the world attain new levels of health, education and food production. Starbucks appears to be focused on making a profit while still being socially and environmentally conscious. The Bullitt Foundation's new building clearly sets the bar for 21st-century construction. We have the potential to set new standards in environmentally friendly transportation. We also have the potential to develop Union Bay into a world-class example of nature co-existing in a modern city. Imagine eagles, the grandchildren of Si'ahl, feeding on salmon in the Arboretum and Ravenna Creeks, just like his predecessors did in the past.  When you see Si'ahl or his parents on the 520 light poles take a moment to consider the future of our city and Union Bay.

Have a great day on Union Bay..where nature lives in the city!

Larry

PS: A very heartfelt, "Thank You!" to Mike Anderson for the pruning, that dramatically increased the visibility and made many of these photos possible!