FIRST FLIGHT -- BASIC SURVIVAL -- FEELINGS

Big Bear Bald Eaglet Simba finally makes his first flight:

Big Bear Bald Eagles father, Shadow, (with a few black head feathers) arrives with a fish.  Seven minutes into the video Simba finally flies in from lower branches on the nest tree where he has been perched overnight to be able to claim his share.  

Mother, Jackie, (with all white head feathers) with son Simba sharing special moments as night descends.

Today I observed Shadow bringing a fish to the nest, but before Simba returned, to disappointingly find the meal has been eaten.  Simba spend the rest of the afternoon alone.  Just as dusk was arriving, he began to engage in chirping communication with Jackie as she finally flew in but brought no fish.  Simba exhibited subjective cloying behavior with touching exchanges between him and his mother but there was no food. 

Withholding food seemed to stimulate him to finally fly this past week.  I wonder if Simba's parents message to him now is to begin obtaining his own food, possibly bringing a fish or whatever else he might catch back to their nest for sharing?

These eagle parents appear to use a positive reinforcement system using food as a reward when he acts as they desire, such as making his first flight.  Even using tough love seemed to come into play when food was withheld until Simba made that first flight.

Teaching basic survival skills are shared by parental creatures of all types.   Perhaps there's much some humans might learn from the birds.

When I've viewed some of the interactions between Simba and both parents, but especially his mother, I have wondered if there are more emotional connections, feelings,  than what we may think.  Scientists have learned this is true in some other creatures, so why not birds?  What do you think?

This Audubon article reveals some interesting observations about the question of whether or not birds grieve.

Live Feed 24/7 Video Cam:  https://youtu.be/5b2dUgK6VV4

*****
Shirley Bassey -- a uniquely talented world famous Welsh vocalist sings "Feelings" recorded in 1976. Dame Shirley who also sang in three James Bond movies is in her eighth decade now.

*****

I may take a break from blogging here for the coming weeks.  I’ll probably return after the end of summer.    Everyone have a wonderful rest of the summer.