This Bald Eagle nest is also on Tierra Verde
close to St Pete Beach in Florida. Taken February 2009.
The nest is at the back side of a pond,
The nest is at the back side of a pond, fairly close to a small ballpark.
We parked in the ballpark parking lot to walk
down to the 2 ponds that all the ducks were in.
About mid way of this pond there is a large sign telling people to stay away due to the Eagle nest. Not sure anybody could get through that thicket below the Eagle. But I am sure there would be some people try, if they weren't afraid of the ticket for doing so.
The reason the quality of these photos is so poor is because we stayed on the road side of the pond. We walked past this pond 3 different days, we only saw the Eagle one time.
What do you think, is the head totally white?
Or is this a 3rd year Eagle?
We parked in the ballpark parking lot to walk down to the 2 ponds that all the ducks were in.
About mid way of this pond there is a large sign telling people to stay away due to the Eagle nest. Not sure anybody could get through that thicket below the Eagle. But I am sure there would be some people try, if they weren't afraid of the ticket for doing so.
Or is this a 3rd year Eagle?
The reason I am asking is...it does not appear to be totally white to me, but one of the local birders I spoke to at the ponds (with all the ducks) said the one she had seen was a full adult with a definitely white head. But this was the same lady that told me there was a Ruddy Duck out there that day. When I got my photos to the computer I was never ever able to find a Ruddy in all the bunch. The Scaups is what I think she was seeing.
So what do you think? Is his head white or not totally white? Enlarge to see better.
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11 comments:
Hmm..it doesn't look totally white - I think you might be right that it's a 3rd year. I have 2 juveniles flying over my lake at the cabin right now - they are definitely younger.
It does look a little tinged doesn't it? I would say, (with all of my bird experience) lol, that it is not completely white.....
Hey Leedra, I vote no, it's not totally white. But how cool that you caught him in flight. Fantastic!
I don't think it's all white either. Such interesting photos that you have captured.
Another one that doesn't think its totally white either. Great photos though and the nest is awesome!
What a fantastic capture...and no, not white.
Gee I'm learning more and more every single day. I didn't realize that a young Eagle didn't have a white head. WOW--that's new stuff to me!!!!
You are right though--the head isn't very white...
Neat photos, Leedra.
Hugs,
Bety
Pretty bird. The next is big. Great pictures.
I agree with everyone else. Great pictures. Lucky you to see one like that.
Hi Leedra, definitely not an
adult. Your photos prove it
showing all the brown and white
mottling on the body and top
of the wings; esp. the last two
pics. Brown mottling can also be
seen on the not so white head.
Excellent work.
Hap in New Hope (MN)
He doesn't quite look full white to me. But it is hard to tell. They are so huge when seen in person!
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