Bald Eagles: Merrimack River

December 27, 2016 in Bald Eagle

_w7i5775-001Went looking for Bald Eagles along the Merrimack River this morning and was delighted to observe a pair of adult eagles perched on a branch overlooking the river.  The vantage point was from the ball field adjacent to the Essex County pre-release center (aka the Farm) in Lawrence.  The eagles were quite a distance away.  The eagle on the left saw busy with rubbing its bill from side to side on the branch, likely cleaning up after a meal.  The other eagle was nearby.  The eagle on the right appears to have black left leg band!

The other eagle, on the left, seems to have an orange gold colored left leg band with the #4 visible.

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Bald Eagle adult pair: Merrimack River

November 30, 2016 in Bald Eagle

_w7i9216-001From a distance, nice looks at an adult pair of Bald Eagles this morning perched together overlooking the Merrimack River in North Andover. The eagle on the left has both a silver federal leg band and a possible orange state leg band, but too distant for any positive ID of leg bands.

Eagles seen from elevated ball field next to Essex County Correctional Center, more
commonly known to locals as, The Farm, as it is a pre-release center.

Overcast skies with light rain starting, calm wind conditions, and temps in mid-forties.

Bald Eagle pair: Merrimack River, Essex County

November 17, 2016 in Bald Eagle

_w7i7344-001Had seen a pair of adult Bald Eagles in the area the day before.  They were in the distance and soaring in big wide circles.  Stopped by today to check and see if they were near a nest that had been ready for last year, but never occupied with eggs.  to my great surprise, they were both perched together right by the nest.  This gives rise to great hope that they will be successful in breeding this coming spring…..stay tuned!  One of the eagles had both federal and state leg bands.

Bald Eagle: Merrimack River, No. Andover

October 4, 2016 in Bald Eagle

_w7i6842-001The Bald Eagles have returned again this fall to favorite perch locations along the Merrimack River along the Lawrence and North Andover line.  At least one Bald Eagle is usually seen in the morning hours quietly perching on a snag overhanging the river bed below.  The Eagle will keep a close eye on all passing activities.  Had nice looks this morning from the ball field by the Essex County Correctional Center in Lawrence.  The skies were heavily overcast with winds from the north at 9-10 MPH and temps in the high 50’s.  The Eagle remained perched during observation.

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Bald Eagle: adult near nest, Essex County!

March 22, 2016 in Bald Eagle

CF2C4095-001The waiting continues to see if a pair of Bald Eagles with a newly constructed nest, proceed to lay eggs!  They are seen regularly on and around the nest, but no sign yet that eggs have been laid…..sometimes, waiting is the hardest part!

Bald Eagles: Essex County #2, pair bonding

March 7, 2016 in Bald Eagle

CF2C2477-002As the warmer weather rolls in, very nice to see this pair of Bald Eagles continue to the pair bonding process.  Very normal for pair of eagles to perch together at or near the nest as the time approaches for eggs to be laid and incubation to get underway!

Bald Eagle on nest: Essex County #1

March 6, 2016 in Bald Eagle

CF2C2426-001Always a lovely sight to observe the female Bald Eagle incubating her eggs at the nest. Looks like eggs were laid around Valentine’s Day….and hoping they will hatch around St. Patrick’s day….stay tuned!

Bald Eagle: nest in Essex County

March 2, 2016 in Bald Eagle

CF2C1420-001The Bald Eagles on the new nest in Essex County continue to spend time perched on or near the nest.  Awaiting a clear set of observations that the female has laid eggs and has begun the incubation process…..stay tuned!

Bald Eagle nest: Essex County

February 29, 2016 in Bald Eagle

CF2C1025-001The bald eagle nest along the Merrimack in Essex County remains an active location for a pair of adult bald eagles.  They are seen with greater frequency in and around the nest.  According to state wildlife officials, this is a new next location for 2016 and not previously known in prior years.  We will now look for clear signs that the female has laid eggs and has commenced the incubation process!

Bald Eagle nest 2016: Essex County!

February 11, 2016 in Bald Eagle

CF2C8875-001Made a pass by the Bald Eagle nest near the Merrimack River in western Essex County this morning.  The winds were out of the west at 12 MPH with gusts up to almost 20 MPH.  The temp was 24 degrees with wind chill making it feel around 11 degrees.  Noticed an adult approaching and then landing at the nest.  Another adult was already perched on the outside ridge of the nest in a large pine tree.  The approaching adult dropped off prey for other eagle and then took off in flight.  This is a nesting pair that has been at this nest location for past bunch of years.  Was just able to get a number of images that provided positive ID of the left leg gold band.  This band was placed on the bird just before it fledged.  This eagle was banded in June 2006 at North Watuppa Pond near Fall River!

4 photos: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/162581657