I remember the first time I saw a Bald Eagle, it was a captive bird, one injured and unable to fly, that was being shown to encourage passage of the endangered species act at the Detroit Auto Show. I saw one in Florida, actually a sub-species in the early 1990's. The only ones we saw in Alaska in 2008 were in a rescue facility. Changes in the laws have resulted in a resurgence. There is a growing population along the Potomac River. I started spotting them 4 or 5 years ago. Over the river, in tree tops along the river, and a couple of times hunting in the woods on our hilltop a mile away.
For the past three months, I have been walking in a wildlife refuge along the Potomac River, about a mile as the Eagle flies from where we live. At least half of the time, I see Eagles on my morning walk. I recently had a stretch of 6 days in a row when I saw one or more Eagles, three one morning in two different locations.
The photo above is likely a nesting pair. They are frequently in that tree. They are about 1/4 of a mile away, stretching the limits of the lenses I have. I could use twice as much lens.
Have you seen Eagles in the wild?
This picture was taken after the post had been written, about as close as I ever get.
We have one pair up at the lake. And your right...eagles mate for life and should be readying their nests currently for the next clutch. They generally reuse the same nest but freshen and build it back up.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that.
DeleteGreat news. Even here I was aware of the plight of Bald Eagles and their resurgent numbers. A motor show seems a curious place to plea for their saving, but there is no reason petrol heads should not be interested saving eagles.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I've seen plenty of our eagles, at times up close and personal.
DeleteA real success story in saving a species in the wild.
Deletedon't think I have ever seen eagles in the wild. nor have I seen philadelphia eagles in the wild either. (wink wink) your photos are great.
ReplyDeleteThanks, that last photo is one of the best.
DeleteSpectacular! I've only see them in the wild once in northern Arizona. They are truly majestic birds.
ReplyDeleteI need to go back to Arizona
DeleteUsed to see them all the time on the Connecticut River. But the best was staying out our friend's cabin on a high ridge on Lopez Island in the San waking up one morning, and seeing a gorgeous bald eagle sitting in the bare tree just outside the window.
ReplyDeleteThey can be a challenge to get close to
DeleteYes, I've seen a bald eagle in the wild once and what a magnificent sight it was!
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many people have never seen one?
DeleteWhenever I go to Alaska I see countless eagles
ReplyDeleteMany don't know the familiar 'screech' of the Eagle is not an eagle as their actual noise is too wimpy for USA needs.
Nice pair this morning, I need to start learning sounds
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