We checked out both eagle nests we regularly visit today. At both I could not see the eaglets when I was taking the pictures, but after zooming in at home, we could make out the little dinosaurs. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Pretty sure there are two in there. How exciting! Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
It was so exciting to see wave after wave of snow geese out at the lake yesterday. There were thousands. What I didn’t notice, until I zoomed in on the pictures at home, was the lineup of bald eagles watching. Zoom in and look at the bottom of the picture. Amazing. Click on picture to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
We finally made it out to check on what we call “the big nest.” We hadn’t been since their triplets fledged last summer. This nest belongs to the most productive pair of eagles in Kansas. The male has been at this home since 1989. That first year, something happened to his mate and, amazingly, he raised triplets by himself, which is a big deal even for two. Some think his lack of expertise that first year was why he could do it. He didn’t know he couldn’t. One of the things I love about watching eagles is how wonderful they are at co-parenting. They share the incubating, the brooding, and the feeding. It was worth almost getting stuck a few times to see how they are doing this year. I look forward to posting pictures of the fuzzy gray heads when they appear. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
We were out at the lake on a path the other day when a bald eagle flew up to a tree carrying a fish. She was so close! We were behind some trees and she was busy eating, so I think that is why we were able to watch for a while. I have to admit, it was a little gross to hear her chowing down on the fish she caught. Crunch, crunch, crunch. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Today was a wonderful day for watching young bald eagles. They seemed to be everywhere this morning. Since it was a pretty nippy one, I didn’t have to worry about anyone coming along and spooking them. I just found a rock to sit on and spent some time just hanging out with them. I love how the young ones have this earnest awkwardness. They look very muppet-like. At the same time, I know that only about half will make it to adulthood, so there’s always a bit of sadness watching them. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
The eggs are laid and the wait is on. Last year, this wonderful pair had two eaglets. Both successfully fledged. I can’t wait to see this year’s youngsters hopping around the nest. Click on picture to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
After leaving the wetlands on Sunday, I drove out to the lake. I didn’t expect to be able to take many pictures with the snow falling and the howling wind. I was privileged to meet a bald eagle soaring low over the lake. There was something magical about seeing her/him make these turns and dives with the snow coming down. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Click on picture to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor