Once the chicks hatch, they require near-constant attention and protection from the elements, with both parents now sharing the responsibilities. Perhaps the greatest survival challenge for eaglets in the nest comes from each other. Since the eggs are laid a day or two apart, the first-hatching chick will have a head start on second or third chicks. Strangely enough, adults do not try to protect the eaglets from each other. Even if the fledgling eagle survives life in the nest, the battle is not yet won.
Young eagles take time to achieve the grace and know-how of an adult.
Despite this grim statistic, under normal conditions the number of young eagles that do make it is more than enough to sustain the current population. Bald eagle migration can take many forms. Some eagles stay in their nesting and breeding grounds year round if food is ample and waterways remain open for fishing. Others travel a considerable distance to find a suitable place to spend the frigid months ahead. Some will even travel as far south as Texas from Canada and Alaska to spend the cold winter months.