While watching gulls and crows peck away at a dead carp on the ice in front of the Bashara Boathouse on the Merrimack River in Lawrence this morning, noticed a likely Bald Eagle flying eastbound from Rt. 93 direction.  Reached for camera and lost sight of the eagle.  All of a sudden it was almost right overhead.  It circled the carp feeding frenzy and then lumbered down river towards the dam in Lawrence.  A few minutes later, headed to the dam and crossed over to north side for a look back at trees and ice.  Sure enough, a subadult was on the ice just west of the dam and on the south side of the river.  It was feeding on some unknown delight.  A further scan showed a second subadult nearby.  The played a bit in aerial flight near shore and then one of them flew west and the other remained near the dam.  Nice treat on the way to work!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!