You would think turning around on a perch would be a simple thing for a bald eagle and indeed, normally it is. This one however seemed to be having a bit of a hard time with it when I was observing it this past Valentine’s Day.

The overcast skies weren’t particularly ideal but they did provide some nice, even lighting allowing a good deal of detail to be shown of this majestic – if a bit clumsy – creature.

Holy moly. Check out the talons on this guy! Those could definitely do some damage, eh?

This handsome bald eagle was returning to his home at the end of April and put on a nice little display as he prepared for touch down. Seems like a good image for Freedom Friday.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Having delivered a meal for its mate, a male bald eagle departs the nest.

Taken back on April 5, the pair was keeping close watch on their eaglet, then no more than a couple weeks old and well hidden in the nest.

As I mentioned earlier this week, that little one has grown and now taken flight so I won’t be seeing it or the parents much now. Thankfully I have a ton of pics to console me until the next nesting season. 😀

Well, a bit of a bittersweet time this morning at my favorite bald eagle nest.

I arrived at dawn to see the juvenile had hopped its way about 20 feet from the nest but still in the nest tree. I couldn’t get a good view but I waited, hoping the parents would arrive. After about a half hour, the young one got very active, flapped its wings and went down the backside of the nest tree.

I knew where it was headed – Dad and Mom’s favorite perch across the river. Sure enough, there it was, hanging out and enjoying a beautiful, Colorado morning.

While I am excited for it to have fledged and taken this major step, I can’t help but be a bit sad. It will linger in the nest area through the summer but it won’t be constrained to the nest tree and that will make seeing it and photographing it difficult.

I am consoled though by the fact that this is yet another example of the awesome recovery the bald eagle has taken from the brink of extinction and I am privileged to have been able to witness it.

An adult bald eagle making a lot of noise last weekend along the South Platte River. The young one didn’t seem too sure what to make of it, choosing to ignore the parent’s chattering. Hmm. That kinda sounds like human kids, eh? 😉

Normally this type of wing position would yield a shot that goes to the trash can but this one is a bit different. As this male bald eagle took to the skies this past weekend, its eye is seen perfectly between the feathers making for a fun capture.

I had spent four hours sitting at this nest and activity was pretty light – and very boring. Suddenly, dad started making a bit ruckus and was focused on something out of my field of view to the north. Whatever it was, he decided it warranted action and launched into the sky, giving me the only flight shots of the day including this one.

Random… Bald eagles are said to have 20/5 vision. What does that mean? If you had that good of eyesight, you’d be able to pick out an ant on the ground from the roof of a 10 story building or a rabbit from three miles away. Wow!

My goodness how big you have gotten, little one!

You all have seen this beautiful eagle from the time it first popped its head above the nest rim more than a month ago. Look at how big it is now!

I spent this morning checking on its progress and as always, am amazed at how fast they grow. The light wasn’t very good at all initially but I did get some captures of it flapping from the nest to a branch then it having a bit of a snack. Later on, Dad (I think) paid a visit and hung out with his offspring.

As you can see in the side-by-side shot, the juvenile is about the same size as the adult now. It will only be a few more weeks before the young one fledges and takes flight.

The sun was just coming over the horizon and was illuminating everything in a beautiful, golden glow. This bald eagle in Longmont, Colorado was taking advantage of a gorgeous spring morning by doing some fishing. It caught itself a nice carp and then proceeded to quickly devour it giving me some nice captures.

This is one of a mated pair of eagles in the area that I have photographed many times in recent years. They haven’t been at the lake on my recent visits so I was glad to see it again.

It doesn’t get much better than a beautiful, spring morning in Colorado and throwing in these majestic creatures is like icing on the cake. From my visit to this nest a few weeks ago.

The adults were extremely active keeping my shutter finger busy. Here, the female heads off after delivering a stick to the nest. Yes, even for them, home repair and maintenance is a never-ending task. 😉 

Have a fantastic Freedom Friday and a great weekend!

Another capture from last weekend’s visit with my bald eagle friends.

Here, mom returns to the nest with a nice fish for everyone to enjoy. While she fed the little one, dad stood by tall and proud, keeping guard.

It is such a privilege to spend time with this trio this spring and I am looking forward to more visits in the coming weeks. The eaglet shouldn’t fledge until toward the end of June / first part of July.