Spring has Sprung! A small flock of Buffelhead ducks landed at the lake to take a break before lifting off and heading north on their spring migration. I will miss seeing their bubble gum feet!

The bald eagle chicks at the HP nest are always a challenge to photograph … the nest is literally adorned with a multitude of pine cones. Capt. Doug and I slowly eased past the nest, keeping the large chicks in sight, and shooting between the pinecones the best we could. These chicks are almost old enough to start branching.

Jordan Lake. Captain Doug and I were out yesterday cruising the lake and we could not help but notice that the ospreys have most definitely returned. We saw at least eight or nine of them. I am so glad to see these acrobatic fishing raptors back home for their breeding season.

osprey
osprey preening

Yay! we could see a bald eagle chick in the nest. Dad Bard and his chick exchanged glances as they kept an eye on the neighborhood.

I love the silver glow around the chick.
hey dad, is it time for a lunch fish?
well, okay, I guess I can wait and maybe mom will bring a fish

In the first photo you can just barely see the bright white sliver of the top of the chick’s head above the blue arrow. The white tail to the right of chick’s head belongs to Dad Bard. The other 3 photos are Bard leaving the nest and in flight.

chick
Dad Bard on rim
Dad Bard Launch
Dad Bard on the hunt for food for chick

HP Bald Eagle Nest, Jordan Lake, is always way ahead of other nests at the lake in producing chicks. Mom eagle is checking out her two chicks who are about 5-6 weeks old. You can see both chicks in the 2nd photo, above the red arrows.