At the end of November I witnessed similar action in nearly the same spot that I photographed Bald Eagle, Flying For Breakfast at the end of October. This time I was a little closer to the action.
The Eagle made a quick drop and snatched a small dead fish that had been floating on the water.
Up and away…
He flew past the bare cross dike with a bit of fall color highlighting the background, and disappeared into the woods.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 29, 2021
A few Blue-winged Teal were cruising close to my position on a marsh dike.
I had hoped to inch a bit closer and a better angle.
The possible reason for their sudden departure:
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 29, 2021
A pair of Bald Eagles had been buzzing the pond where I captured the Great Egret Late Afternoon Flyby .
One of them ventured down the river and I got a nice view on his return a few minutes later. Knowing that he was probably coming back was a big help.
I was at the top of the hill above the pond, making his position almost eye level for me.
The timestamp on these three images shows they were within the same second.
Middleton Place, Charleston, SC
October 19, 2021
The Bald Eagle, Flying By made a U-turn over the pond, then dropped down scaring off a Great Egret.
He was some distance from me and these aren’t sharp images, but you get the idea of the action that started feet first:
Hardly making a splash in the water.
Got a fish!
Then back to his tree to eat.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 29, 2021
Fall is a good time to keep a half an eye out for Bald Eagles at the Wildlife Management Areas as they return from their summer digs. I was happy to spot this one flying over a pond.
He flew up into a favorite tree and sat, watching as I wondered if he’d already had breakfast.
After a bit he flew by me again, going the other way.
You’ll see a far off answer about breakfast in my next post.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 29, 2021
Danger, danger, fly, fly!
Can you spot the Eagle?
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.
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.
Taken from a boat at Bird Key Stono Heritage Preserve
Between Kiawah Island and Folly Beach, SC
July 12, 2021
He started out in the classic Bald Eagle pose.
Then worked on some personal grooming.
He made me hopeful I might see a flight.
Finally he settled in facing the opposite direction from when I first spotted him.
It was late afternoon on a gloomy day when I spotted a Bald Eagle perched above the pond, facing away from the water.
The mate appeared, quietly, while I wasn’t looking.
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.
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.
Back in October I posted images of a Bald Eagle Pair. After taking those photographs I look in that tree every time I pass by and three weeks ago I was rewarded with one half of the pair on the very same branch.
The mate was nearby, perched on their nest.
