Watch: It’s An Eaglet! First Eagle Cam Egg Hatches, Lurches Around

Thousands got their first peek at the long-awaited first eaglet Tuesday morning when one of the parents stood up in its nest high in a tree near Codorus State Park in York County.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s live-streaming video on its phenomenally popular Eagle Cam captured the moment. To watch live, click here.

Shortly after 8 a.m., the two eagles did what is known as a  nest exchange, altering incubating duties. When one of the adults moved out of the way, a wet gray blob was revealed, partially still in the egg split in half. The adult eagles were vocal right before the eaglet is exposed.

“I saw it wiggle around in the nest. So cool,” exclaimed a viewer on the Hanover Eagle Watch Facebook page. More than 60,000 people have joined that online group to experience the drama playing out in the Eagle Cam nest.

Read more:

http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/watch-it-s-an-eaglet-first-eagle-cam-egg-hatches/article_7137061c-d222-11e4-b664-6764e837c516.html

Bald Eagles Thriving In Pa., Game Officials Say

Photo of a Bald Eagle taken at the Toledo Zoo. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) – State game officials say the number of bald eagles in the commonwealth has grown dramatically three decades after efforts to restore the population began.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission says 252 eagle nests have been confirmed throughout Pennsylvania so far this year, with nesting sites in 56 of the 67 counties.

That represents a big increase from last year’s midyear report, which noted only 206 confirmed nests in 51 counties.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/20130707_ap_ea42d3a5d96c40afb210588e01834b43.html#47HrtTsGBHsx7kiI.99

Amish Farmer Charged With Killing Young Eagle

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lancaster County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

An Upper Leacock farmer fed up with birds of prey killing his free-range chickens has been charged with shooting an immature bald eagle.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission charged Paul A. Zook, 28, of the 100 block of Geist Road with two misdemeanors of the state Game and Wildlife Code.

One count is for killing an endangered or threatened species and one count is for unlawful taking and possession of protected birds.

Zook, an Amish farmer, could face up to two years in jail and fines up to $5,000 if found guilty and depending on the feelings of the judge.  In addition, a judge could require Zook to pay up to $5,000 to “replace” the eagle.

Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/806328_Amish-farmer-charged-with-killing-young-Eagle.html#ixzz2Ika5B9Sh

Watch Peregrine Falcons Nesting In Pittsburgh Skyscrapers

Image via Wikipedia

Peregrine Falcons were an endangered species until 1999 when they made a sufficient enough comeback to be removed from the list.  Pennsylvania still considers the birds endangered and protects them (yeah PA).  The birds almost became extinct due to pesticides like DDT causing their egg shells to become too thin and they would crack during incubation.  These birds of prey can be found in large cities in the United States and prefer to nest on cathedrals, skyscrapers and towers of suspension bridges.

There are live cameras at the Gulf Tower and the Cathedral of Learning nest sites.

The Cathedral of Learning is part of the University of Pittsburgh campus in the Oakland section of the city and is a 42-story classroom tower (535 feet).  The Gulf Tower is located downtown Pittsburgh and has 44 stories (582 feet).

To watch the falcons click here:

http://www.aviary.org/cons/falconcam_cl.php  Cathedral of Learning

http://www.aviary.org/cons/falconcam_gt.php  Gulf Tower

Monday Morning Nature Clip – Pennsylvania Elk Herd

Watch a three-minute video featuring part of the Pennsylvania Elk herd near Benezette in Elk County.  Around the 1 minute mark the first Alpha male appears.  Later on an even bigger male comes along.  Very impressive racks.

elk_roaming_winslow_hill_in_el.html