Tag Archives: Bald Eagle

Raptor, Water Birds

Gulls Took To The Air

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Danger, danger, fly, fly!

Can you spot the Eagle?

Birds in the Air over Bird Key, Stono
Birds in the Air, Eagle is about 1/4 of way in from the left, one of the top birds

This island has a lot of advantages for nesting birds, but it is not without risk. This time the Eagle appeared to leave without a meal.

Birds in the Air over Bird Key, Stono
Birds in the Air over Bird Key, Stono, Mostly Laughing Gulls

About a half hour later it happened again. We were further away from the action and I didn’t capture the Eagle, but this view gives an idea of how many birds are nesting on this little island. And how unconcerned the Pelicans appeared.

Birds in the Air over Bird Key, Stono
Birds in the Air over Bird Key, Stono

Taken from a boat at Bird Key Stono Heritage Preserve
Between Kiawah Island and Folly Beach, SC

July 12, 2021

Raptor

Eagle: Fish for Dinner

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In a new flight pattern this fall and winter, I’ve seen Bald Eagles flying over the pond with the Great Blue Heron rookery. A couple of weeks ago I saw one go by and about four minutes later one came back with a fish in his claws.

Bald Eagle Flying With Fish
Bald Eagle Flying With Fish

I can’t say for certain its the same bird but given their territorial nature it is likely, making that a pretty efficient dinner run.

Bald Eagle Flying With Fish
Bald Eagle Flying With Fish
Raptor

Eagles Have Returned

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After only a few sightings over the summer, I’ve seen quite a few Bald Eagles in the last few weeks. This pair was watching a pond below them.

Bald Eagle Pair in Tree
Bald Eagle Pair in Tree

My walking route took me past a nest I know Eagles  used last mating season and I wondered if I could even see it. The last time I passed by here the foliage on the lower trees was too thick to get a clear view. Since then a few leaves have dropped, vines have drooped and fortuitously the late afternoon was shining through a gap in the trees, spotlighting the nest.

Eagle's Nest, Resting
Eagle’s Nest, Resting

You can visit my post It’s Twins, Eagles That Is! for some views of the nest in use last winter.

Raptor

This Pond Isn’t Big Enough For Both of Us

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As I rounded the corner of the pond I could hear an Osprey calling, and finally spotted him perched with a view of the pond and river beyond.

Osprey High in Tree
Osprey High in Tree

Then I saw what he was calling about: Bald Eagle on a fast approach. All the other birds I had seen as I approached were gone.

Eagle Flying In
Eagle Flying In

The Eagle landed a few trees over from the Osprey.

Eagle Flying In
Eagle Flying In

The Osprey wasn’t interested in any competition and buzzed the Eagle.

Osprey Challenging Eagle
Osprey Challenging Eagle

I thought the Eagle would stand his ground — but I guess he wasn’t interested in a rumble right then.

Osprey Challenging Eagle
Osprey Challenging Eagle

I didn’t see the Eagle again; the Osprey made a few menacing laps around the pond with his claws out, ready for something!

Osprey Fly-by, Claws Out
Osprey Fly-by, Claws Out
Raptor

Twin Eagle Follow Up

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On March 8th I walked by the nest featured in my March 3rd post:  It’s Twins, Eagles That Is!

I only saw one of the juveniles and didn’t spot an adult in the area. It’s a poor view and the lighting was bad. But it’s an Eagle!

Juvenile Eagle, March 8
Juvenile Eagle, March 8

On March 16th I went by and again only saw one juvenile. If anything, the lighting was worse. The trees around the pine are starting to leaf out making a clean view difficult.

Juvenile Eagle, March 16
Juvenile Eagle, March 16

One of the adults was perched on the other side of the nest. You can see the that the nest is big enough that the second juvenile could be there and not be seen.

Adult Bald Eagle on Nest
Adult Bald Eagle on Nest