Wow! Thanks Bunnie. That's a great pic of them fighting.

B3 will be 9 weeks old Saturday. She looks like she's big enough to fledge, but still needs to grow out flight feathers, gain more strength & coordination. She has stepped into the base of the Y branch a few times, just to see what a real limb feel like.

And B3 has just confirmed my suspicions. Movin' on up on the Y branch. Here she is, standing at the base, in between the branches.

B3 is easing into a "branch." This morning, the eagle kid did a running hop onto the crotch at the base of the Y branch, tested the right fork with a foot, then turned around and perched in the crotch. She is building strength and confidence. It won't be long!

Although B3 has been stepping up onto the Y branch for quite awhile, today she hopped-flew onto the branch and walking way out onto the left branch of the Y, flapping her wings for balance. Here she is surveying her kingdom and figuring out her next big step.

It's hard to tell from this photo. I don't know when brood patch feathers grow back, but she wouldn't need it now. We have noticed that Mom has been molting. Could those be molting feathers?

B3 is getting braver and braver. She'll be gone out into the big, wide world before long.

Here is a modified transcript of Dr. Carleton's chat on 05-20-14:

RECarleton: Good evening, B3 fans.
RECarleton: I've been chatting on the bluebird social stream but Berry's PR dept said you all requested I stop by
ilovescrapping: Are you the Dr that helped the Baby BB
destinwaters: Welcome Dr. C. Great to see you here.
RECarleton: Yes, I'm the one.
Northgeorgian: RECarleton: why do youthink B is delaying fledging?
Donna Cabler Patterson: Goodevening Dr. Great job with the baby BB.
BBI54: Yes welcome Dr. Carleton
destinwaters: Has anyone seen BB1, since she fledged?
Ilovescrapping: ? B has a tendency to look like she is going fall backwards, Would she be ok if she did?
RECarleton: northgeorgian: I think she will go any day. Home girl?
RECarleton: Have nt seen bb1 since fledged. Fledglings spend their first week hidden in the trees.
Northgeorgian: RECarleton: NE Georgia
RECarleton: ilove: I think she can recover if she slips. There was that episode with the breaking branch.
Polly456: RECarleton: Good evening and welcome
raptorz4ever: Good Evening, Dr. Carleton. Thank you again for allowing us to view this beautiful eagle!
RECarleton: northgeorgian: Where in NE GA? Hi Polly. Thank you for the welcome and heart.
Polly456: RECarleton: we have a huge group in here but most are on dinner break I thing
starandstripe: Dr. Carlton: Thank you so much for all you do
raptorz4ever: Looks like B3 is getting stronger and more confident every day she stays on the nest.
Destinwaters: Dr. Carleton, is there a reason B3 attacks her dad, but not her mom?
Polly456: RECarleton: saw you remove BB and help it THANKS!
Northgeorgian: RECarleton: Stephens County, little town of Eastanollee
trishhuffman: Forget dinner! Hello Dr. C
BBI54: Do the mating pair stay in the area or do they migrate elsewhere and return in the fall?
Birdchirps: RECarleton:Hello Dr. C. so enjoyed your chats on the BB1 SS.
Grammy816: Good evening Dr. Carlson - nice to hear from you again.
Polly456: RECarleton: I saw that one of our experts Jerri requested you to come by
RECarleton: don't skip dinner for me! B3 knows mom is bigger, packs a bigger punch!
Raptorz4ever: RECarleton: It is amazing how B3 still cuddles with Mom like a little chick.
Polly456: trishhuffman: LOL Trish RIGHT!
Northgeorgian: RECarleton: will the cam be repositioned so that we can see area during fledge?
Polly456: RECarleton: is she too heavy right now to fly ?
Birdchirps: RECarleton: I think B3 needs BlueJay swatting lessons, really hitting on her today.
RECarleton: As far as I know there is no plan to reaim the approach cam. Sorry! I saw several people out at the nest site today hoping to see her fledge. I'm sure someone will catch video.
Joanndonnelly587: RECarleton: Will there be a video available of B3's fledge? We're all afraid to leave & miss it!!
RECarleton: Polly: I think she is at flying weight, although is hard for me to tell 100%/
Polly456: RECarleton: thanks ,I was a little worried,she eats well LOL
RECarleton: Joann: I hope so. Berry doesn't have an official video person out their, too unpredictable.
Starandstripe: Dr Carleton: How long have you been at the college and did you start this program.
Joanndonnelly587: RECarleton: Why do some nest band & others don't. I believe BC has chosen not 2?
RECarleton: I wish someone brought me food all the time! Although husband is bringing dinner later.
Nancyj4444: Hi Dr. Carleton. Will B3 more likely fledge from branch or nest?
Trishhuffman: RECarleton: Are the students at Berry as "taken" with B as we are? Do they stand and gaze at her?
RECarleton: starnadstripe: Have been at Berry 13 years. Started bluebird study in 2002
raptorz4ever: Do you believe Mom's leg injury has completely healed now? She seems to have good mobility.
RECarleton: Fish and wildlife service very particular about banding and I don't have an eagle banding permit.
Suefox1936: When do you think the BB will lay eggs again this summer?
RECarleton: nancy: more room to take off from the nest, less branches in the way
RECarleton: Trish: Most students are gone for summer now. Some really into B3, some have no clue!
Bobliger: RECarleton: What happens to the nest after all 3 eagles leave? Do the Ps rebuild for next year?
Nancyj4444: Thanks Dr.C. She will miss flopping in the nest!
Sandragplemons: RECarleton: And you do think B3 is a female?
Trishhuffman: RECarleton: Banding: if not band, how do you research what happens after fledge?
RECarleton: bobliger: the adults will tidy it up from time to time this summer. Major nestorations start in Sep
raptorz4ever: RECarleton: Do you know whether the neighboring eagle nest was occupied this year? Any fledges?
Betcrankingriffith: what a treat thanks for all your work enjoying everyone's ? and your answers.
Birdchirps: RECarleton: Have any eaglets been sighted from the other eagles nest @ Berry?
RECarleton: sandra: yes, based on her size. Of course to be sure would require a blood sample but is hard to get
joanndonnelly587: RECarleton: Is Berry getting good donations to help support new cam equipment?
Nancyj4444: Dr.C. Will you be reporting on Berry page future sightings of B3?
RECarleton: If eagles were still endangered, then Fish and Wildlife would want banded, now they are happy not to.
Sandragplemons: RECarleton: Thank you for all you do. I have enjoyed this site and this family so much!!
RECarleton: birdchirps: Three
northgeorgian: RECarleton: want to thank you and Berry for this blessed experience. My daughter's students love it!
Ilovescrapping: Could B3 kill any of those Blue jays that bother her?
RECarleton: nancy: once she leaves we have no way of knowing if a juvenile eagle we see is her or not
bobliger: RECarleton: Will Berry be able to get a cam on that other nest for next year?
RECarleton: bobliger: other nest in a VERY remote and difficult to access area, so no way to get to internet
RECarleton: scrapping: I'm sure she could take out a jay if she got a hold of it.
Birdchirps: RECarleton: Thank you Dr. C for the info on the other nest
starandstripe: Dr. Carlton: Looks like you should hold a BB/Eagle seminar for lookers lol
Bebe1964: RECarleton: Hey Dr. C! No question. Just kudos for ur devotion & dedication to our B3 & BBB.
RECarleton: Am going back and forth between this chat and the bluebird chat so ask again if I miss your ?
Sthnladysc: RECarleton: Why does the blue jays dive bomb B3?
Ilovescrapping: RECarleton: We all wish she would when they are bothering her.
Birdchirps: RECarleton: Would B3 perhaps join or hang out with any of the other fledged eaglets or just go solo
Suzie-0: RECarleton: that's great about the other nest. hope all 3 survived.
RECarleton: Thank you, Bebe! LOL, star and stripe. I kinda am right now!
Dlhobgood: RECarleton: Good evening! How old do you estimate parents to be?
RECarleton: Blue jays have a nest in the area, are protecting their offspring, not necessary, really
RECarleton: Suzie: last picture I saw of them, they were all dark brown with just a little fuzz on the head.
Trishhuffman: RECarleton: banding again: interested in getting your license so you can follow the eagles?
RECarleton: dl: think parents are at least 7 years old, maybe older
RECarleton: trish: actually, no. Have permits for bluebirds and other songbirds. Would have so spend many hours training to get eagle permit. Don't have enough time available.
raptorz4ever: Dr. C, this has been an amazing season and we have learned so much from the Berry eagles. Thank you!
Trishhuffman: RECarleton: Understand. Kinda
Suzie-0: RECarleton: thank you. fledging three can be quite the challenge.
Bobliger: RECarleton: is your specialty songbirds or raptors?
Trishhuffman: RECarleton: Before you leave, I have a kinda silly (I guess) question. Warn me! (yes, Bob, it's comin
RECarleton: trish: If I was 20 years younger, sure would do it.
RECarleton: bob: actual expertise is songbirds and their parasites. eagles, guilty by association!
Raptorz4ever: RECarleton: These eagles picked YOU!
Starandstripe: Dr Carlton: what other songbirds do you follow there at Berry
RECarleton: bob: did an eagle parasite study when I was in vet school
pambrowning9: Dr C: do you think B3 being an only "child" helps or hinders her development? fledging time? etc?
MelindafromGA: RECarleton: my husband & I have had opportunity to visit campus & nest site. BEAUTIFUL
RECarleton: starandstripe: finches and bacteria causing eye infection
destinwaters: Have to go now. Thanks from my heart Dr. C for all your expertise & this look into God's miracles.
Dlhobgood: RECarleton: Polly is right about the BB. We were all so upset! Thx for saving her!
Northgeorgian: RECarleton: We have noticed a lot of the eye infection in house and gold finches. Why?
RECarleton: trish: do you work with raptors?
RECarleton: Melinda: so glad you visited
sandragplemons: RECarleton: Will parents continue bringing food to nest until they know B3 can hunt well for herself?
RECarleton: northgeorgian: is a big problem in finches. Disinfect your feeders frequently if possible
RECarleton: art: eagles too big to take songbirds, mainly eat fish, ducks, coots, small mammals.
Northgeorgian: RECarleton: I clean them very often and the birdbaths. We have noticed a lot already this year
trishhuffman: RECarleton: re work with raptors: read everything I can get my hands on. Full of questions all time.
Raptorz4ever: Dr. C, we are so hoping you plan to allow the public to view this nest again next year. Any changes?
Polly456: RECarleton: I read to clean out birdfeeders bacause of rotton stuff and water mildew ,bacteria
RECarleton: Auburn University has a terrific raptor rehab center. Would like to spend some time over there.
Birdchirps: RECarleton: regarding disinfecting feeders, use bleach & water w/ a 1 bleach to 4 h20 ratio or ?
RECarleton: raptorz: plan is for sound on the nest cam and a better quality camera for the approach cam
artinearth: RECarleton: i'm seeing big decline at my feeders; think an owl with new baby nearby is getting them?
Raptorz4ever: RECarleton: Both would be awesome!!
joanndonnelly587: Have you been receiving sufficient donations to help w/ costs of cams & sound?
Trishhuffman: Here we go. Prob take more than one post. Students have parties on the lawn there. When B was a bit younger, students had espuma foam party on lawn. I was present and worried self silly cuz B was pancaked alone in nest. Seemed frightened. Did not get up til party over. Worried about "stuff" in foam drifting up to her. Catching thermals/whatever. Do parties bother the eagles? Must be LOUD. Done. Great teasing about this. All in fun though.

RECarleton: art: that is entirely possible. circle of life kind of thing.
Bebe1964: RECarleton: We're blessed to have the approach cam. Most cams don't have one. Thank you!
RECarleton: joann: donations will make the improvements possible!
Ellenmanion3: Would B3 more likely fledge in the morning or later in the day? A wide angle lens would be great!
RECarleton: bob: is that a snowy owl on your avatar?
Artinearth: RECarleton: yep, conflicted feelings. i love seeing the owls, but love the bb and songbirds also.
Bobliger: RECarleton: yes it is. my favorite owl
RECarleton: trish: these eagles don't seem bothered at all by people around. Are urban eagles! Other nest is not
Birdchirps: RECarleton: Have you been surprised with all the attention this nest has drawn, and  for you eagles
nls121: RECarleton: Check our urban/city eagles in Pittsburgh! Got the trains right below them, lol! Hey B!
Raptorz4ever: Dr. C, there are dozens of eagle cams; to what do you attribute the huge success of this cam?
RECarleton: bob: have never seen one. Was one in FL this winter, but couldn't get down to see it.
Trishhuffman: RECarleton: not so much "worried" about noise as about that color foam! Are you laughing at me?
RECarleton: ellen: last year one eaglet fledged in morning, other in early afternoon
bobliger: RECarleton: i had my picture taken with one at an exhibit for rehabbed raptors  i touched its feathers and it *yelled* at me. was cute  they are beautiful
RECarleton: raptorz: Am not sure. You all should tell me that. I'd really like to know. No commercials?
Sandragplemons: Were last years eaglets the first for this pair or just the 1st pair we knew about?
Raptorz4ever: RECarleton: No doubt you'll get lots of feedback from this season, and 95% wil be good; 5% - sound!
RECarleton: sandra: we think they had another nest in the area that blew down. We had tornados here a couple of y
bobliger: RECarleton: no commercials and please do not change the style of this chat box. i HATE other SS chats
pambrowning9: bobliger: does that mean this nest is relatively new, too? only two years old?
Pambrowning9: bobliger: AGREE! those other chat boxes are a mess!
Raptorz4ever: Dr. C, recently Mom has brought large fish heads to the nest. Are these fish heads left by fishermen?
RECarleton: commercials really bug me on the other cams I watchm occasionally, that is!
MelindafromGA: Agrees w/bob comment. best prt of BC great friendly knowledgeable folks that chat on SS
bobliger: pambrowning9: yup. impossible to follow who is talking to who at those other chats
RECarleton: pam: we think the nest originally belonged to red-tailed hawks and the eagles took it over
Polly456: RECarleton: we have learned so much from this site ,it has been awesome ,thank you and your staff
MelindafromGA: RECarleton: commercials are a drawback from also watching other nest. will more $$ keep comm. away?
Pambrowning9: This is one big nest for two years' work! Amazing what they can accomplish!
Pambrowning9: RECarleton: So, the nest could be older. Still ... it's an amazing feat! So grateful to be seeing it
bobliger: pambrowning9: some nests can weigh around 2 tons!!
trishhuffman: bobliger: chat: not to mention that you get on the scrollercoaster and can't get off!
Adrasteia27: I love this chat and the people in it!
RECarleton: pam: some of the branches they brought in were huge! Could hardly fly with them
pambrowning9: bobliger: We saw a HUGE nest near Kennedy Space Center. Absolutely enormous! like 25 years old!
RECarleton: Melinda: the donations have made it possible to stream without having to go to advertising
pambrowning9: RECarleton: That would have been something to see! These eagles are amazing creatures!
Birdchirps: Three CHEERS for Berry College and Dr. Carleton for bringing this great site to learn about eagles.
Bebe1964: RECarleton: U have probably guessed that Bob is about the only rooster in this henhouse!
MelindafromGA: Bebe1964: uh maybe I'm wrong but I thought raptorz4ever was a "rooster"
raptorz4ever: MelindafromGA: Should I crow, or should you "eat" crow?
Birdchirps: Look like mom arrived for her nightly visit. Yea! Mom
RECarleton: hey look who just showed up
ilovescrapping: is B3 trying to snuggle or push Mom from nest
pambrowning9: The nest is looking smaller and smaller.
Raptorz4ever: Dr C, do you think Mom is going to a different (better) spa?
Dlhobgood: Awww she wants to snuggle!
Tina Wright Horn: B3 chewing on MOMS feet
RECarleton: You all are great! Almost 15 million views now.
RECarleton: raptorz:,LOL
Bebe1964: Maybe Mom going to spend the night with her baby again. So sweet when she does.
Carleen29: I think baby is yelling at Mom because she didn't bring chow
RECarleton: Has been a long day for me so am going to call it an evening> Enjoyed chatting with you. Will do again
artinearth: RECarleton: thank you!
MelindafromGA: RECarleton: Thank you
dlhobgood: Thanks for answering our questions Dr. Carleton! Have a wonderful evening!
Isabellecoates52: Dr. c, ty, SEDs
bobliger: RECarleton: thank you SO much for stopping in to chat with us tonight
trishhuffman: RECarleton: Rest well, thanks a million and please do come back.
Raptorz4ever: Dr. C, this really meant so much to us! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
BBI54: TY Dr. Carleton, come back soon
Polly456: RECarleton: Thank you Thank you for coming in, please come back
ellenmanion3: Thanks you Dr Carleton
pambrowning9: Thanks again, Dr C. Really appreciate your work and willingness to teach.
Ilovescrapping: Thank you Dr Carlton for all you do
Gabeatle: Dr. Carleton: Thank you and Berry College!!
Bebe1964: RECarleton: You DO know you're our hero? Or is it heroine? U no what I mean!

B3 FLEDGED THIS MORNING!

Published on May 22, 2014 by eaglewhisperer18

Thursday 1050am ET.First scene nest cam ,second scene the fly off.B3 fledged early this morning and I missed the original Fledge but this one just as beautiful to see B3 fly off.

Karen Kemp put together this movie of B3's life. Very nice!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNizEVs8ZGA&feature=youtu.be

Dr. Carleton delighted chatters by showing up again last night. She is fun to chat with and so smart!! I tried to pull out only the parts of the chat that contained useful information.

RECarleton: Guess I was a little late to see our girl. Hi everyone!
RECarleton: How's she looking to everyone?
nancyspellmanbaker: She's so grown up now. You let them fly, and they're never the same afterward! Dr. C. in reference to survival when is/was the most critical time for B3? Threats/obstacles?
RECarleton: Nancy: she made it through the first big one - first flight. Now she must learn to hunt successfully
Birdchirps: RECarleton: About how far from the nest has B been going, if you know?
RECarleton: I haven't been at the nest site since Thursday, but eyewitnesses say she doesn't go very far
nancyspellmanbaker: RECarleton: in your opinion, is this family more closely bonded than most?
RECarleton: nancy: the parents seemed to be as bonded with their two offspring last year. Very good parents
jerrimowry: RECarleton: do you think the parents are teaching B3 that the nest is the center of her territory---
RECarleton: jerri: B3 associates the nest with food right now. Yes, it is the center of the territory, too.
Birdie0828: Dr C, will our B3 come back in the fall you think?
RECarleton: Birdie: We did have one juvenile and one subadult visit the nest territory last year, so maybe
lillmjohnson: Dr. Carleton, do you know if our B3 has been to the water with parents to learn and play? lol ty
RECarleton: lillm: I'm not sure. I haven't been able to spend much time at the nest site. Busy with research now
lillmjohnson: Dr. Carleton, Also, do you know about how old B3's parents are?
RECarleton: lillm: we think they are between 7 and 10 years old.
christysmarshall: RECarleton: Hi Dr C, can u explain why B played and picked at P's feet? Fun, smelling food, her perso
RECarleton: B3 just being playful with parents when picks at their feet
Birdie0828: Dr C, what becomes of the nest while the P's are away? and where do they go?
RECarleton: birdie: parents come back occasionally throughout the summer and check on it. they hang out around the quarry, rivers, and a hydroelectric project when not on the nest
nancyspellmanbaker: RECarleton: when does a juvie become a sub-adult?
RECarleton: Subadult is just starting to get some white feathers, 4 yrs old
NGaMtGirl: How much longer will the cam be up and running?
RECarleton: Will stay up until B3 is gone for a while. Then down for maintenance
RECarleton: cheryl: yes, is true but we don't know what they actually think just that they defend their territory
jerrimowry: RECarleton:moms leg seems to have healed nicely, only a little bent, so happy to see that!
RECarleton: jerri: she has adjusted to her "handicap"
Polly456: RECarleton: as you can see ,we have all fallen in love with B3, almost to obssesion
RECarleton: Therapy is to watch other bird cams, doctor's orders!
nancyj4444: Dr.C: did you ever expect this much interest in B3.?
RECarleton: nancyj: no, never dreamed would be so many people watching. Is amazing and humbling
joanndonnelly587: RECarleton: What is the research you are doing?
RECarleton: joann: looking at effect of eye infections on finch survival & feather mites among native songbirds
lillmjohnson: Are T-shirts, mugs, B3 photo book or anything like that in the works?
RECarleton: Tshirts in the works, maybe a video. Do you know about the plushies?
GABirder: RECarleton: Is it feather mites that cause my cardinals to have a bald head?
RECarleton: GAbirder: no, some cardinals just go bald when they have a molt
RECarleton: nancy: most of my work is on the college's property, 27,000 acres
lillmjohnson: RECarleton: Do you know yet if there will be sound and zoom, tilt, pan on cameras?
RECarleton: lilli: I am not sure about the plans for improvement to cams. Am just the lowly biologist.
nancyj4444: Dr. C.: How far away from there do you think B3 will eventually establish a nest of her own?
RECarleton: nancy: there are currently 5 eagle nests within 50 miles, so could be anywhere there is "room" for 1