For such a large bird, bald eagles can sure tuck themselves into what appears to be a small space within a snarl of branches. However, the point of view is misleading. Bald eagle nests have a “front door” and at least one “side door”. As monitors it would be intrusive on this nest for us to approach from any other direction. We quietly monitor this mom eagle incubating her eggs through this crowded window.
About one year ago this young eagle was making the transition from being egg-bound to breathing air! This photo was made at Jordan Lake in late December 2024. The eaglet has survived, thrived and is eager to face the next year of life. Happy New Year young eagle!
PSA: as a veterinarian I have been following the avian influenza H5N1 (bird flu) problem. I wanted you to know that not only is the influenza killing birds – nationwide over the past 2 years, we’ve lost over 660 BALD EAGLES to it – but that the bird flu is being transmitted to CATS both through raw milk and now certain cat foods. The link below will help you know if the food you are feeding to your companion might be contaminated.
https://apnews.com/article/cat-pet-food-bird-flu-oregon-recall-06e944714a3e703cf4913f88533c6a33
I have not fame nor wisdom to offer
I have not riches nor wealth to gift
What I do have is a desire to share
Nature’s glorious wings for Christmas Day
At long last … it will be official … the Bald Eagle will be the National Bird and Emblem of the United States!
https://www.audubon.org/magazine/bald-eagle-about-officially-become-our-national-bird-thanks-man
Bald eagles really enjoy cold weather. They’re even happier if it’s a very windy cold weather day. On the left is the female bald eagle and on the right is her mate. They are both eager to get up and out and about and continue preparations for the breeding season.
doc ellen's journey 