Seeing a Golden Eagle in any setting from any distance is pretty darned exciting given their relative rarity. Having one that is so comfortable with you that you can walk within 10 yards of it is a treat that few experience and so I count myself blessed to have had this encounter.
This juvenile was perched in a tree and, likely due to its relatively young age and inexperience, had decided being around humans wasn’t so bad. It allowed me to capture a huge number of pictures, all while it sat perched. I waited for an hour and it never did take flight, preferring just to relax and take in what was a gorgeous Colorado day.
This was the first time I have seen a juvenile Golden in person and it definitely had a different ‘look’ to it than an adult. Its overall plumage was quite mottled rather than the solid, dark brown color of an adult and its golden mane also displayed a variety of shades.
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