the 2 year-old bald eagle came cruising across the cove…
to see the action: https://flic.kr/p/FNGyUu
immature eagle
Tageagle family report: 4/1/2016 Kate & Quizzical
The breeze had been gently bouncing Kate, perched at the end of the peninsula.
Then she was across the cove, fishing.
Quick turn around and Kate was at the nest feeding Quizzical.
tattered
While sitting at one of the boat ramps this morning, I heard an osprey give its “eagle alert” call.
I looked up to see this ragged 2 year-old eagle soar past and head for the osprey.
The osprey dashed off with the juvenile eagle right behind it.
This eagle probably just started his 2 year of life.
The tattered feathers on tail and wings have been well-used in his first year of life.
He is just beginning his first molt of his original flight feathers.
just because
Sometimes, sometimes the wind fills your feathers.
Your blood runs hot in the cold winter air.
And, just because you can, you do a 180 º roll and drop into a loop.
The two year old bald eagle and I laughed together in the gusting wind.
dark stripe
Three-year old bald eagles and their mottled camouflage make trying to capture them with a camera difficult.
This one almost blends in with the water to the point of making my camera struggle with the focus.
She did get her fish and I got my shot.
Note the distinctive 3 year-old dark stripe through her eye.
afar and near
This is the first photo of two.
It gives you the view I had when I caught the motion of the immature eagle through the upper trees and snapped the shot.
The second view is a close up of the 1 year old as he hurtled through the trees.
He has a fish, and out of sight is the 3 year old eagle chasing him, wanting to steal the yearling’s fish.
I don’t know the ending – the chase was at top speed and quickly out of my sight.
doc ellen's journey 