The third step in Hershey’s fishing sequence:
the snatch.
Notice that he has caught the fish almost at the surface.
Sometimes I honestly believe bald eagles don’t like getting their feet wet.
Or perhaps it is that, unlike the osprey who so exuberantly goes whole body under when fishing,
the eagle practices a more finessed style of getting its fish.
This is Hershey.
I have watched Hershey for more than 4 years.
He got his name because he is the lightest colored bald eagle on Jordan Lake that I have seen.
All adult bald eagles have body and wing feathers that are brown,
usually such a deep brown that they often appear to be black.
But Hershey is a rich milk chocolate, hence his name.
There is not much room left in the nest.
I’m not sure who is more worried about sharp talons landing in the wrong place –
mom osprey or the chicks.
Note that as mom lands, her toes are knuckling under to prevent her talons from accidentally harming a chick.
The eagles do the same when in the nest and there is no fish to hold down for shredding.
Mom and one chick are looking for the arrival of dad and breakfast.
Two of the chicks are trying to figure out whether or not that new pile of leaves is worth their interest.
The “pile of leaves” is me in my camouflage and mom dismissed me within seconds of my settling into place.
Quickly the chicks too forgot about me and soon all four ospreys were waiting for dad.
The blessings of a long lens and camouflage allow me to bring you photos without disturbing the family.
mom osprey has brought her trio of chicks a catfish for breakfast
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even in the heat of the early morning
this male orchard oriole dashed about
from the very top of the highest pine tree
to the point of a small sycamore
to the shadows of the oaks
singing his song of territory
doc ellen's journey 