2012

Eaglet hatches in lesser-spotted eagles’ nest

The second eaglet is expected to hatch in a couple of days. During the first days of their lives, the eaglets are particularly sensitive and dependent on their mother. They are protected against wind, rain and scorching sunbeams. The eaglet’s further development will be determined by the amount of food – common voles, frogs and moles. With sufficient food amounts, the mother will keep him warm and feed with animals brought by the father. When food is scarce and the father is unable to supply enough of it, the mother often leaves to look for additional food supplies. In the absence of their parents, the eaglets are exposed to freezing, overheating and starving deaths. They can also fall prey to other predators, for example – European pine martens.

JSC “Latvijas valsts meži” expert on wild birds Uģis Bergmanis: “Long-lasting human activity in the direct vicinity of the nest is a very disturbing factor, as we found out on June 12. In the afternoon, a chainsaw was heard near the nest and the mother fearfully kept close watch on her surroundings. Fortunately, this disturbance did not last long. Later on, it turned out that a car got stuck on a nearby meadow and the trees were cut down to pull it out.”

As reported, the eggs were laid in the nest on May 1 and May 5. The main goal of the research is to study the food habits and nesting biology of this highly protected and endangered bird species. The results will be used to substantiate its protection measures.

For more detailed information on project supporters and nest developments: www.pomarina.lv and http://www.dabasdati.lv/forums/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=978&start=850