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.
Pine Tree Perch
Tag Archives: Bald Eagle
It’s Twins, Eagles That Is!
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
Commanding View
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
Bad Light, Dead Tree
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
Should Have Waited: Bald Eagle Exit
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
Bald Eagles, Different Angle
After watching this Bald Eagle pair for awhile and getting plenty of images I moved my position to try for some different angles. This first one was from the path directly below the tree where I could see his feet and abundant tail feathers.
From the side of the pond behind them I had a different rear-end view. Both Eagles were intent on looking towards the river, not on giving me a profile shot.
Going back to my original spot I was able to see the upper Eagle though the branches. The better angle, looking up at this perch from the other side is completely blocked by trees.
Bald Eagle Coming In
Shortly after I took the image in my post “Bald Eagle Calling His Mate” I spotted another Eagle flying into the tree line.
By this time the first Eagle had also moved and I’m not sure which one was which. When you’re watching nature unfold through a lens sometimes you miss part, or all, of the action!
This flying Eagle landed in the lower position of the tree and they both settled in.
From this vantage point they can see up and down the Ashley River, the action on several small ponds on this property, and into a marsh on the other side of the river.
And look they do, both turning their heads regularly, but overall content to perch right there.
Bald Eagle Calling His Mate
Or maybe her mate.
A mated pair of Bald Eagles has used this snag that sits at the edge of the Ashley River as a perch for three years that I know of. Happily Hurricane Dorian left it intact. Today was the my first sighting of them since last spring.
Bald Eagle Calling
Just Make Out Bald Eagle
At the far end of the pond where I photographed Spoonbills in the fog a Bald Eagle was watching me.
March 3, 2019, Bear Island Wildlife Management Area.
Juvenile Bald Eagle
I spotted this juvenile Bald Eagle circling the rice field pond a couple of times, then he put his feet down. I thought I was going to capture a landing.
He changed his mind! A pair of adult Eagles use this area daily, and generally the juveniles are not welcome to share. I waited and watched thinking maybe one of them was approaching. If so, I did not spot it.
Junior circled the pond one more time then landed in a pine tree further down the edge of the pond. If I hadn’t seen him land I wouldn’t have known he was there. He stayed put for longer than I stood waiting for him to make another move.
