Jordan Lake. I didn’t really expect to get any useful shot of this bald eagle. I was standing on top of the Jordan Lake Dam … 15 minutes after sunrise. There was mist coming off the lake and the sunlight was making a glaring mirror of the water. I was very startled to find that the reflection almost gives you more of the bird than the actual eagle. The photo is not in focus but I have certainly been focused on how sometimes a photo happens just because it does.

adult bald eagle

Jordan Lake. Mom Godiva, a female bald eagle, stands at the most about 3 1/2 feet tall. She tried valiantly to get the stick at the red arrows back to her nest. She carried it for more than 200 feet before it got away from her. As you can tell the stick is somewhat longer than she is tall. Bald eagles have a lot of strength.

adult bald eagle nest repair stick drop

Jordan Lake. H&G nest. Bald eagle parents guard their territory all year around. The breeding season here goes from about December 1 to June 1. However the parents are prone to starting repair on their nest if they see a stick that will fit in to whatever hole needs to be patched. Mom Godiva grabbed herself a fairly big stick, hauled it up to the nest and then went fishing and got herself a snack.

Godiva carrying big nest repair stick
into her nest with the stick
fishing for a snack

Jordan Lake. Body stilled. Talons glinting. Neck stretched just enough to see past surrounding branches. Eyes pinned on point of interest too far away for me to comprehend. This bald eagle fledgling lives to claim tomorrow as hers.

bald eagle fledgling

Jordan Lake: The rugged intent face and well-tested frame of this female bald eagle somehow carries more of an impact to my eyes than just the contrast of white and darkest brown … there comes a sensing of vibrant life inhaled with the air the raptor breathes.

adult female bald eagle