The eaglets were banded on Wednesday, April 22, 2009. The federal bird banding labratory is operated by and bands are now issued by US Geological Survey Biological Resources Division rather than the US Fish and Wildlife Service. This banding data will be entered into the USGS bird banding data base so that any future recovery or identification of these eagles will be known.
Each eaglet was fitted with two bands. One was an identifying band with detailed identification information, the other (purple) is meant to be easily spotted in the field. The purple color indicates it is from the Chesapeake Bay region.
Based on measurements, 2 eaglets were determined to be male while the other eaglet's gender is unkown based on measurements between the averages for males and females.
Below are some photos of the banding:
 The banding process begins - tree climbers head to the nest |
 Eagle bands and tracking device |
||
 Eagle paparazzi |
|||
 Eaglets on the ground meet the press |
 Waiting their turn |
||
 Three eaglets waiting to be banded |
 CCB hard at work - Dr. Bryan Watts, Reese Lukei, Libby Mojica |
||
 Libby Mojica measures a beak |
 Measuring the beak |
||
 Overhead photographer |
 Examining pin feathers beginning to emerge |
||
 Attaching the band |
 The eagles are banded |
||
 Weighing in at 6 lbs. |
 Dr. Bryan Watts introduces an eaglet to his fans |
||
 The eaglet giving an interview |
 The three eaglets meet the world close up |
||
 Meeting the public |
 Loyal fans wait to see the eaglets |
||
 Returning the eaglets to the nest - first part |
 Meeting the fans |
||
 Return to the nest - the final leg |
 Heading back to the nest |
||