Carolina Raptor Center - Eagle Journeys

Eagle Journeys

The residents in the Betty J. & J. Stanley Livingstone eagle aviary have laid eggs for many years. None of these eggs hatched until March 2006, when one of our volunteers discovered a small ball of fluff. The first bald eaglet hatched on March 4th followed by the second on March 5th, 2006. In 2008, a third eaglet that hatched on March 9th. The following stories and videos will tell their stories. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

»For eaglet videos, click here.

»View a slideshow of our 2008 Eaglet.

»Follow the eagles' journeys! Click here for maps.

Derek was sent to Carolina Raptor Center from the Center for Birds of Prey in Charleston, SC in August of 1998. He was found in December 1995 with a fractured left leg, stiff right wrist, and an old fracture to his right wing. We suspect his injuries are a result of a gunshot. He is named after Derek Hageman, a very special boy who loved raptors and who visited Carolina Raptor Center on many occasions.

Savannah was transferred to Carolina Raptor Center from the Center for Birds of Prey in Charleston, SC. She was found with an injured left wing in April of 1995. We suspect her injuries are a result of a collision of some sort. Savannah arrived at Carolina Raptor Center in August 1998 and soon paired herself with Derek. She laid eggs for the first time in 2004. Her eggs hatched for the first time in March of 2006.

2006 Eaglets

The first bald eaglets hatched at Carolina Raptor Center are also the first to hatch in captivity in North Carolina. The eaglets, one male and one female, are named Len and Lola. Thanks to generous donations from the community, we were able to purchase two satellite tracking devices and attach them to the eaglets before releasing them. These satellite tracking devices allow us to follow their movements.

Len - The male eaglet was named after former volunteer Len Chason. Len cut the grass at the Betty J. & J. Stanley Livingstone eagle aviary and assisted with lots of other maintenance challenges. When there was no lawn mower, Len donated one that he wasn't using at home. He had incredible energy, and he loved what he was doing at Carolina Raptor Center. Len was diagnosed with cancer during the winter of 2006 and passed away on March 15, 2006, shortly after the birth of the eaglets. We will always remember his hard work and all he gave for the birds.

Lola Brown-Sen Gupta Lola - The female eaglet was named for former volunteer Lola Brown Sen Gupta. Lola was a dedicated volunteer in our rehabilitation facility for twelve years. Her professional career as a medical technician grounded her in a study of human blood and fluids. Lola figured out ways to apply that knowledge to the birds. She not only pioneered new research and treatment methods, but she left her legacy by teaching staff and volunteers what she learned. Lola Brown Sen Gupta passed away on October 9th, 2006 after a valiant fight against cancer.

2008 Eaglet

Letha - This female eaglet hatched on Sunday, March 9, 2008. She was released to the wild in May 2008. She was named in memory of staff member Letha Fields. Letha had been a part of the Visitor Services team for more than ten years. Carole Robinson, CRC Visitor Services Manager, said "Letha always made everyone feel welcome. Her smile and positive nature were contagious." Letha was known to all staff and volunteers as someone who would help at a moment's notice. She passed away on April 23, 2008.

Can I see the eaglets?

Since our goal is to release to the wild all the eaglets that hatch at Carolina Raptor Center, we must ensure they do not become habituated to humans. Being habituated means the young birds become accustomed to humans and are no longer afraid of them, which can be dangerous for both eagles and humans. A visual barrier is placed around the nest area in the eagle aviary to prevent the eaglets from seeing humans, and to prevent disturbing the parents while they are caring for their young. Staff can monitor the eaglets with minimal disturbance through an observation blind. Our eagle cam gives the public a safe view of the aviary and the nest.

How are the eaglets released?

Carolina Raptor Center has a partnership with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation to provide the secure release site in North Mecklenburg. The site is located among nearly 2,700 acres of nature preserve along the lake, all of which is protected by Mecklenburg County. The proximity to water provides critical foraging and roosting opportunities for the eaglets as they learn to hunt and survive on their own.

The eaglets are raised by their parents for the first few weeks to ensure they become properly imprinted. When the eaglets are ready to be separated from their parents, at 5-6 weeks of age, staff move them to an artificial nest or "hacking tower" at the release site. For several weeks, they acclimatize to their new "nest" as we feed them through a specially designed food hatch which allows us to slide the food, unseen, into the nest. Then, we open the doors of the hacking tower, and the young bird can try out its wings, and practice hunting on its own. Young bald eagles are ready to make their first flights around 12 weeks of age. They can return to the "nest" for food and security until independent. Instincts tell them how to hunt for fish, but they need to practice their skills. Besides eagles, the tower has also been used for "hacking" ospreys.

All pictures taken by Shari Lambeth, Volunteer Photographer