An unexpected treat to gaze skyward near the Clock Tower just after Columbus Day and to see a first year juvenile Bald Eagle.  Bald Eagles require careful observations in order to properly determine their age.  After consulting with local hawk expert, Paul Roberts, it was clear this was very likely a first year juvenile.  Field marks of note included:  dark head; chocolate brown breast; white axillaries & white coverts; smooth trailing edge to to the wings, not ragged; innermost primaries, pale tips and translucent; mottled brown and white tail; absence of white belly; wedge-shaped tail.

More photos posted online at : http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/146735429  Click “next” in upper right to advance frames!