Hays Bald Eagles H16 H17 Thermal down study 2022 04 02 09 23 35 283

The capacity to thermoregulate starts at hatch and is generally complete by 14 days. this doesn't mean they won't still need protection from the elements until they are completely feathered. Natal down is now being replaced with woollier gray thermal down coming in. This is the time that they start to show preening and grooming behaviors more.The feet are starting to go from pale pink toward a more paler yellow