Spring 2020 - our local park has had a pair of bald eagles nesting for a few years now. Access to the nest area had been restricted in years past, but this year the signs were not up and we kayaked to an isolated shallow area where we had a perfect view of the nest without disturbing the eagles. A week later I came back with a photographer friend and my 150 - 600 telephoto lens. The images that follow have a story we were blessed to watch unfold...
There were 3 eaglets in the nest getting ready to fledge. At this time, they are basically full-grown but lack the characteristic white head and tail, which do not appear until they are mature at 3 to 4 years of age. Eggs are laid several days apart, so they will fledge in succession as well, rather than all at once. On this afternoon, the last one to hatch (#3) was hopping and flapping, going between the nest and a perch about 6 feet above. Another eaglet (#2 / directly above) was way out on a limb and periodically flapping, getting real lift. Eaglet #1 was nowhere in sight. And then it happened...
Eaglet #2 decided it was time to for a maiden voyage. He flapped and flapped and lifted up and awkwardly traveled about 30 feet, attempting to land on a branch that was just too small. Losing his balance, he starting to cry somewhat frantically. In response, another eaglet - his sister came flying overhead, landed on a nearby sturdier branch and called to him.
He took to flight again to follow his sister to the security of a bigger branch and eventually to his sister's side.
This next part absolutely amazed me. Eaglets can be pretty aggressive with siblings in the nest, fighting for position and food. This pair, however, had a very strong and affectionate bond. Female eagles are larger than males by about 25%, which is why I call #1 a female and #2 male. After landing on the branch in the photo above to the right of his sister, he hopped and flapped until he was right next to her, and then snuggled-into her.
In the photo above, the size difference is evident, so I refer to eaglet #1 as 'Big Sis' and to #2 as 'Little Bro'. Shortly, she took to flight, going back and forth over us, as if she was both showing off and encouraging him to keep at it.
Meanwhile, back at the nest, mom flew in to drop eaglet #3 a fish. After tearing at it a bit, he continued his practice and strengthening his wings, going up and down the tree above the nest.
After dropping off the meal, momma landed on what must be her favorite perch in the shallows - where she was during our last visit here - while her mate attended the nest (him we did not see this day). This spot afforded her the opportunity to watch over the nest and the high barren branches where the other eaglets perched. She stayed here, seeming to pose for us into the fading evening light, still there at the time we left.
Then it happened again; Big Sis landed from her new-found flying and soaring in another tree nearby. Little Bro had the courage to try once more and flew to be with her. At first she seemed to want a little distance, leaping up to a higher branch. But he persisted, and did his best to be right there.
Meanwhile nearby, a Great Egret was fishing, seemingly undeterred by the presence of the family of apex predators.
Finally, on the 2 mile return trip, numerous Great Blue Herons winged their way overhead to the shoreline, looking for their evening meal. All-in-all, a remarkable day!
