As the lone eaglet in the nest this year, this beauty had plenty of space to branch and strengthen its wings in preparation for its fledge (which happened around 10 days later). On this blustery day in late June with winds from the west, it was perfect conditions to jump back and forth from the branches to the nest.

That feeling you get when an eagle looks right at you, into your soul, and gives you the stare. Captured near the Fox River in Kane County, Illinois.

Mama Eagle has been raising eaglets in this nest for many years, and this is the first time in several years that she has raised just one. No doubt this little one will be spoiled, not just from Mama but from her new mate as well.

This Papa eagle is most likely a first-timer to this whole raising an eaglet thing (and Mama reminds him every now and then). Since becoming Mama's new mate last fall (she lost her previous mate spring of 2019), he's been doing pretty good, but needs to learn a few things . . .

These two juvenile eagles had recently fledged last year, and one evening I found them both perched in their nesting tree below their nest where they had spent the last 3 months. Of course they kept returning to the nest for a few weeks after this to be fed since they still hadn't learned to hunt, but it wouldn't be too much longer.

Two eaglets watch and learn as their mama floats in for a graceful landing above their nest during last year's nesting season. It must be quite the sight to be so close to watch this beautiful raptor come in for a landing. In about 3 to 4 weeks they would be practicing their own landings on the branches above the nest.