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.
I heard a high pitched bird call. Eagle was my first thought. I turned my head and there, high in a pine tree, not one but two Bald Eagles.
I tried to get a slightly better angle to avoid having branches sprouting from their heads. The best I could do was swap branches.
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.
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.
You can visit my post It’s Twins, Eagles That Is! for some views of the nest in use last winter.
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.
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.
The Eagle landed a few trees over from the Osprey.
The Osprey wasn’t interested in any competition and buzzed the Eagle.
I thought the Eagle would stand his ground — but I guess he wasn’t interested in a rumble right then.
I didn’t see the Eagle again; the Osprey made a few menacing laps around the pond with his claws out, ready for something!
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!
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.
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.
This pine tree serves as a frequent perch for Bald Eagles as they survey the pond below, looking for a meal. The tree dwarfs the raptor and depending on which branch they choose not easy to spot until they fly.
I’ve been by this nest a few times this winter and not seen or heard any sign that it was occupied. I was quite surprised to see these two juvenile Bald Eagles peering out.
This is the nest from the other side. I’m guessing it is at least 50 feet (15 meters) off the ground.
I was not aware that one of the adults was there until looking at this images at home. Just above center in the middle of this image you can see the wing and part of the adult Eagle head.
Taken February 27, 2020
These tree tops provide a frequent perch for a pair of Bald Eagles. On this morning only one of the pair came while I was there. Sometimes they sit here for hours, watching over an old rice field impoundment and the Ashley River.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
December 8, 2019
Vultures made a good fit for a silhouette image with those lifeless branches against the grey sky.
And when Eagles appear I absolutely have to take the shot!
Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center
November 5, 2019
After watching a Bald Eagle pair sit quietly in a tree for more than a half hour a photographer friend I was with said “you know as soon as we leave …”
And he was right.
Bald Eagle Flying OffI was fortunate to still have a clear view, if not the best focus.
Bald Eagle Flying OffFeet tucked up for flight, away he went.
Bald Eagle Flying Off
