
Jackie and Shadow instinctively prepare when inclement weather is on the way. Yesterday was all about just that! Their 3rd feeding (of 11 in total) brought big smiles to their beloved fans as we were treated to both parents feeding the chicks together. Shadow handled Chicks1&2, while Jackie fed Chick3. A dual feeding seemed super effective and productive as all the chicks received ample amounts of food. This could help avoid bonking and sibling rivalry so Jackie and Shadow may be learning some new things having three chicks in the nest.
Jackie may also be becoming a bit more tolerant, realizing with Shadow there to help her is a good thing. As long as he brings more food, it's all going to be okay… and he hasn't let her down! Yesterday he delivered 3 fish, 5 sticks, and 3 piles of fluff! Once again, we can follow the example of the eagles and Shadow's motto of “Be Prepared”! (hey, was he a former eagle scout?)
Soon we will notice the little love nuggets growing by leaps and bounds. In another week or so, their Natal down will be replaced by Thermal down and they will be able to stay warmer on their own.
Some of Shadow's favorite moments of being a Dad seem to be those quiet bonding times when he's just sitting with his chicks and they are curiously peeking out from under him, nipping at his feathers or simply a gentle beak-to-beak moment. He's such a loving and attentive Dad!
This morning, after the storm, Shadow was waiting patiently in the snowfall on a basement branch below the nest for Jackie's call. He just came in to check on her and the kids but she decided to stay for now. We had a peek at the chicks and all look well! Just like his beloved mate, his dedication to his family is a wonderful example to all of us. How special it is for us to learn from them!
BKind22
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