Young eagles learning to fly can appear to be injured

MILES CITY – In recent days several people have called or commented about seeing the eagles from the Main Street nest on the ground, on the Tongue River bridge, or even appearing to be injured.

This is a common occurrence this time of year, as the young eagles are fledging or learning to fly at around 10 to 12 weeks old. They are the same size as adults, but they are awkward as they test out their flight skills and can appear to be injured. Eaglets will spend a considerable amount of time on the ground, hopping around and flapping their wings to gain strength. They also fly short distances and...