Liberty and Freedom's baby takes first flight from Hanover nest

The bald eagle is one of the most recognized symbols of liberty and freedom in the United States, so it’s only fitting that the Hanover wild bald eaglet fledged - or left the nest - on Memorial Day weekend.

The eaglet (affectionately named Patience by fans) fledged at 11 weeks old May 30, as hundreds of thousands of people watched on a live camera feed, according to a news release from HDOnTap, the company that provides the cameras for the livestream of the eagle’s nest.

While practicing flight, the eaglet missed a nearby branch and fell approximately 75 feet from the nest, the release said. It was spotted shortly after by a viewer on the ground from a safe distance, confirming the eaglet landed on a branch under the nest.

Eaglets typically remain in the nest for about 10-13 weeks after hatching,

Patience’s parents - aptly named Liberty (mom) and Freedom (dad) - are experienced parents.

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According to the release, the 2021 Hanover wild eagle season is as follows:

• February 2, 2021 - First Egg Laid
• February 5, 2021 - Second Egg Laid
• March 13, 2021 - First Eaglet Hatched
• March 19, 2021 - Additional Egg Deemed Unviable at 45 days of Incubation
• May 30, 2021 - Eaglet Fell from the Tree, An Accidental Fledge
• May 31, 2021 - Sources Near the Nest Report Seeing the Eaglet Fly Toward the Lake with both Parents

Information on previous seasons includes:

•  2020 Season: Clutch of 2 eggs, no hatches 
•  2019 Season: Clutch of 2 eggs, 2 hatches, 2 fledges
•  2018 Season: Clutch of 2 eggs, no hatches 
•  2017 Season: Clutch of 2 eggs, 2 hatches, 2 fledges
•  2016 Season: Clutch of 2 eggs, 1 hatch, no fledges
• 2015 Season: Clutch of 2 eggs, 2 hatches, 2 fledges

Per the release, after the first flight, young bald eagles spend 4-12 weeks in the nesting territory with their parents, where they learn to hunt and fly. When juvenile eagles can feed on their own, they may start to migrate.

The first four years, eagles travel great distances. Reports show, however, that juvenile eagles return close to home when it comes time to find a nest and breed eggs of their own.

There are two live cameras streaming live 24/7 video and audio (including infrared night vision) of the nest. These cameras are available for viewing by clicking here.

The nest is located in a tree that is approximately 75 feet above the ground on private land at Codorus State Park.

The eaglet will likely make stops back at the home for the next several weeks, so there is still a chance to see the Hanover eaglet before it makes its final flight, the release said.