Do you remember Murphy? He is the bald Eagle at World Bird Sanctuary who tried to hatch a rock, and was eventually given foster parent duties for a rescued eaglet. Murphy has been fathering eaglet 23-126 (nicknamed Rocky) for two months now, and you can see how Rocky has grown. His is almost as big as Murphy!
Murphy has been patiently showing Rocky how to tear meat, keep a nest clean, spread his wings, and generally behave like an eagle. The plan at this point is to move Rocky to a larger enclosure with another eagle so he can learn to fly. Murphy is a permanent sanctuary resident because of a wing injury, so Rocky must learn from another eagle. He will also get experience in socializing outside the family. Murphy will remain next door, so he and Rocky can see each other. When Rocky masters flying, he will be banded and released. You can see him spreading his wings and flying up to a perch in a video here. See more videos of the two at Facebook.
Rocky not only survived and thrived, but also gave Murphy a new lease on life by satisfying his parenting instinct. When Rocky is gone, Murphy will return to the aviary with other adult eagles he knows. Perhaps he can go back to being a regular bachelor eagle, or he might find a mate among the sanctuary's female eagles. Or he may be a foster father again next year if the need arises. Murphy has already proven himself competent in that area! -via Boing Boing
(Image credit: World Bird Sanctuary)