On a whim, stopped by the Abe Bashara Boathouse along the Merrimack River in Lawrence.  It was quite and just before 10AM.  To my surprise, looked across to the north side of river bank and observed an adult Bald Eagle perched on a branch overhanging the river.  Moved around a bit with camera to capture photos from a few different angles….all taken from the car.  While backing up, heard the Adult make a series of calls, looked up and noticed a subadult flying along the river.  A few crows joined in pursuit until the eagle laned in a tree nearby the adult.  A few images include partial leg band readings.  Tom French from MassWildlife provided further information:

Banded:  0679-04016, and N/3 burnt orange  (Banding Permit # 21963)

Banding date and location:  05-10-11   Banded as a chick (4.5 lbs) at Great Pond, Connecticut River, Hadley, Hampshire Co., MA

Siblings:  Two other siblings – K/8 (7.6 lb), K/9 (6.08 lb)

Additional photos posted:  http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/148896751  Click “next” in upper right to advance frames!  Enjoy!

Another morning alongside the Merrimack scanning for Bald Eagles when suddenly an adult Bald Eagle comes cruisng along heading west.  I fumble quickly to grab the camera and fire away as it flies right overhead.  A few minutes later it is joined by a subadult.  The subadult circles, then preapres to land on a nearby branch.  In landing mode, the subadult stretches out its legs and feet and later the discovery is made of a leg band on the subadult.  The leg band was not able to be identified other than in a general way.  According to Tom French at MassWildlife “this is probably one of the adults from the nest in Methuen just upstream of Lawrence, but it could also be one of the adults from the Haverhill nest a short distance downstream.” 

More photos of adult and subadult posted: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/148582976