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 Eagles: Lawrence!

September 29, 2016 in Bald Eagle

_w7i5983-001Earlier this week, had a wonderful chance to see Bald Eagles along the Merrimack in North Andover.  they tend to perch along the river this time of year, up until the start of breeding season.  Most often, the Bald Eagles, both adults and sub-adults are seen on the east side of Rt. 495 on the border of Lawrence and North Andover.

After scanning for Bald Eagles in every known location, came up totally empty.  After taking a look at the local peregrines, was just ready to head off, when a large soaring bird caught my attention.  Behold, it was an adult Bald Eagle rising in a circular motion with wings outstretched….a beautiful sight!  The adult Bald Eagle continued making circular loops and and headed off to the west.

_w7i6142-001Moments later, another large soaring bird came into view and it turned out to be a juvenile Bald Eagle.  Same circular soaring motion with wings outstretched….WOW!  Both birds were relaxed and taking their time working their way westward under cloudy skies and strong NE winds blowing at almost 20MPH.  The juvenile had a dark belly and underneath, whitish wing pits, and varying amounts of white on the underwings.  The two inner-most primaries are translucent in the backlighting.

Bald Eagle on nest: Essex County

March 22, 2016 in Bald Eagle

CF2C4240-001The female Bald Eagle continues in incubation mode with hatch date very close.  As the eggs hatch the activity around the nest will increase quiet a bit as the newly hatched eaglets will be fed with increasing regularity!

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 Eagle: Merrimack River, Lawrence

March 22, 2016 in Bald Eagle

CF2C4063-001While parked and watching the peregrines at the Clock Tower, a blur started to pass by in the distance.  The blur became more interesting as it was larger and flying with a slow distinct wing beat.  Upon a closer look, a nice unexpected surprise to see a subadult Bald Eagle heading up the Merrimack River in westerly direction.  Probably a third year Eagle based on field marks!

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 in flight: Essex County

February 26, 2016 in Bald Eagle

CF2C0442-001What a delight to observe a Bald Eagle in flight over the Merrimack River in Essex County in the late afternoon with cobalt blue skies and lingering late day sunlight!