Welcome to my new blog!
Although I may feature some more winged animals, this blog is dedicated to documenting the eagles at Shiloh National Military park. I decided that, since I enjoyed sharing so many images from the 2009 eagle nesting season, I'd start a blog with that special purpose.
This way I can not only share images but information, exciting moments and interesting experiences as well.

If you visit the eagles, I would like to ask that you please respect the rules.
There are designated areas to park and PLEASE always be respectful.
Viewing these birds is a unique privilege...Please don't get that privilege taken away from everyone!!!

Two Turtles

Since I get asked often about the image of an adult eagle bringing two turtles to the nest, I have decided to post the link so that it can be easily found.
"Two Turtles"

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some interesting facts:

Hiram and Julia (an American bald eagle pair named after General Grant and his wife) made their nest high in a pine tree beside a road in Shiloh National Military Park. They raised a pair of eaglets during the 2008 nesting season and then two more eaglets the following season. The pair have been photographed carrying fish, turtles and small rodents to their young.

*American bald eagles mate for life.
*The female American bald eagle is slightly bigger than the male.
*Females and males can be distinguished by the depth of their beak.
*The American bald eagle was taken off the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants list in June 2007.
However, the bald eagle is still a protected animal.
*Young eaglets do not have the white head and tail feathers of their parents. Their white feathers will grow in somewhere around five years of age.
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Sunday, January 31, 2010

Ice Storm

Then came the bitterness of winter...
The frigid cold temperatures brought with them the ice. Ice covered the trees. Heavy limbs fell under the weight. I hoped that the eagles were surviving the harsh conditions.

As soon as I could get to the nest, I did. I anxiously surveyed the damage...some broken limbs, the nest covered in ice and portions of the nest drooping with the weight of the ice. What I did not see was the eagles.
Leaving, I felt disappointed that I had not seen the eagles. However, I did feel encouraged that the nest was still perched with only minimal damage in the tree.
Hopefully, the eagles are safe...

*sb*

Monday, January 25, 2010

2010 Begins

Both young eagles have flown from the nest. Now the parents can be spotted occasionally flying to and from the nest or resting in the 'nest tree' branches. The area seems so lonely without the excitement of the spring and summer months.

January 2

January 23
*sb*