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.
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
My walking route took me past a nest I know EaglesĀ 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.
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
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
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.Ā 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.
Juvenile Bald Eagles
This is the nest from the other side. I’m guessing it is at least 50 feet (15 meters) off the ground.
Bald Eagle Nest
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.
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.
Bald Eagle in Tree Tops
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
December 8, 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 Off
I was fortunate to still have a clear view, if not the best focus.