Bald Eagle adult perched Merrimack River

February 7, 2017 in Bald Eagle

_W7I0415-001Today started off as a dark morning with winds from NE at just 10 MPH, light snow, visibility about 1/2 mile and temps around freezing.  Made a pass by the ballfields in Lawrence next to the Essex Correctional facility and spotted an adult Bald Eagle.  It was perched in a large tree just east of the water treatment plant.  Nice views over the Merrimack River from the elevated ballfields.  No other Eagle in sight and no clear sign that eagle had leg bands.

Bald Eagles perched in North Andover

January 4, 2017 in Bald Eagle

_w7i6422-001Nice looks on cloudy morning at pair of perched Bald Eagles on a branch overlooking the Merrimack River.  They were seen from the Lawrence side of the river from the ball field next to the Essex County pre-release center and were perched on the North Andover side.  No ability to see leg bands, but likely continuing pair of local eagles!

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 juvenile: Merrimack River

November 15, 2016 in Bald Eagle

_w7i6706-001Had a very nice treat while scanning the shores of the Merrimack River on Tuesday morning under overcast skies.
Spotted a perched juvenile Bald Eagle on the Lawrence side of the river. A likely first year juvenile!

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: 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!