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, February 28, 2010

Flight in B&W

a few snapshots...

*sb*

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Anticipation

The eagles were safe!

In fact, they are working on the nest. In addition, fellow photographer Jay Turner of www.shiloheagles.com has captured the eagles "preparing" to add to their family. We are excited looking forward to a new nesting season.

The delivery of a branch to the nest as the sun was disappearing.

As if that weren't enough excitement, I observed "egg laying" behavior!! As Hiram watch protectively over her, his mate was very vocal, pacing the nest and doing lots of "tail lifting." I was absolutely in awe at what I was witnessing. With the sun setting, she continued this behavior for awhile before becoming silent and nestling down into the nest. Hopefully, we will have at least one eaglet in about 35 days!!!!
*sb*