January 28, 2014 in Bald Eagle
After the Red-tailed Hawk disrupted the Eagles from their perch, they continued to loop around in flight as though still a bit unsettled. It was one of those moments that you can only hope for with camera in hand. These slow proximate flight loops in bright sunlight can offer terrific moments for action/flight images. Such was this morning!!
8 flight photos posted: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/154345153
Enjoy!
January 28, 2014 in Bald Eagle
Another beautiful sunny morning looking for Eagles along the Merrimack River in Lawrence. What a treat to observe, a juvenile, a subadult, and an adult all from location on west side of NXStage Medical building on Merrimack St. Total of three perched in trees and then a Red-tailed Hawk caused commotion sending eagles into flight to ward off the uninvited intruder. Eagle and hawk in last photo.
Photos posted: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/154345176
Enjoy!
January 22, 2014 in Bald Eagle
A single adult Bald Eagle in perch overlooking the Merrimack River in Lawrence!
January 21, 2014 in Bald Eagle
Another morning visit to Merrimack River behind 350 Merrimack St. in Lawrence. Overcast skies and a single subadult quietly perched in one of the normal locations! Likely a third year bird based on plumage and emerging white on the head.
January 15, 2014 in Bald Eagle
This first winter juvenile was seen perched on one of the trees behind the Lawrence Sanitation Water District pump house in North Andover. This is located at the end of North Main Street off of Sutton St. The eagle was just quietly perching on a beautiful sunny morning! Dark bill, tawny breast, brown bib, dark eyes.
January 10, 2014 in Bald Eagle
Later on Friday while heading over the Parker St. (Rt.114) bridge in a southerly direction, and while looking to the east over my left shoulder, a large bird in flight comes into view. Sure enough, an adult Bald Eagle heading west. turned around facing north, still on the bridge, the eagle loops twice above the bridge area and then glides to a landing on a tree near Pemberton Park on the north side of the river, west of the bridge. Make my way by car to rear of nearby building and remain in the car watching eagle for 15 minutes. Fascinating to be so close! On the far side of the tree, something caused the eagle to depart over the river westbound. It then looped and headed eastbound, and then westbound one more time before heading to a perch by the dam. A nice opportunity for some cloudy day photos!
Photos posted: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/154086918
Enjoy!
January 10, 2014 in Bald Eagle
On same Friday, waited around a bit longer with feeling that one or two eagles might still be nearby, but out of sight, and not in a rush to make a move. As I started to slowly ramble back to the car, this beauty emerged from the trees heading west along the river edge but at least 30-40 feet above. It was taking its time and did not react to me in any noticeable way. Looked like a first year winter juvenile. It appeared dark overall, dark brown eyes, dark bill, pale tawny belly that contrasts with dark brown breast, whitish wash inner primaries and secondaries, trailing edge of wings rounded and serrated with uniform length.
More photos: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/154086912 Click “next” in upper right to advance frames…
Enjoy!
January 10, 2014 in Bald Eagle
With extra time for eagle watching, spent some time just sitting on the banks of the Merrimack River. The temps were in the 20’s with light snow and moderate winds. Encountered this subadult eagle. It flew a number of times back and forth across the river. Thanks to review and input from Mark Faherty at Mass Audubon, this bird is categorized as a classic third year eagle. Mark commented that the whiter the head, the older the bird. Getting these eagles right, in terms of thier age and plumage is a terrific challenge with no shortcut for the learning curve! It takes time and patience along with solid coaching from wiser and more experienced birders! It a blessing when those types of birders are around and willing to help out!
More photos: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/154086899 Click “next” upper right to advance frames!
Enjoy!
January 9, 2014 in Bald Eagle
After a visit to the Merrimack River shore and a scanning for eagles — headed back to car to continue on. Unexpectedly overhead 2 eagles glide by very close, almost too close. One of them a first winter juvenile and the other a likley Basic IV pre-adult plumage. Midday day overhead sun, but here c’est la vie! In the birding world, always expect the unexpected and for photographer types, always have camera in ready mode!
A few more photos: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/154085740 Click “next” in upper right to advance frames!
Enjoy!
January 9, 2014 in Bald Eagle
What a nice surprise to find and watch this young juvenile eagle cleaning its bill with a friendly crow watching!
