Evening Deliveries

After observing that shooting conditions were not going to be good for awhile, I knew that I had to take the opportunity to get in some photography time (even though it was get to evening hours). The light was less than ideal but I did enjoy viewing several flights as Julia "paced" from the nest to the river (capturing small fish) while awaiting Hiram's return. At one point, the nest was left unattended by an adult for somewhere around 40 minutes.

Small fish delivery

Check out those talons!

Random Pics of the Day

Unusual Happening

The following images show Julia collecting some pine needles for the nest. While it may not be an extremely unusual event to witness, it is not something that I have caught often in pictures.

Watching out

Baby Pics

Waiting for food

Feeding

Taking Off

Flight and Landing

Windy Day Flying

Morning Visit

Although I usually do not get the opportunity to visit the nest in the morning hours, this morning was an exception. When I arrived, I was greeted by the gorgeous sight of the adult eagles perched in a tree together being flooded with the warmth of early morning light.


After a few minutes, it was time to get the day started. One of the adults pulled up some grass to take to the nest while the other one flew toward the river.
Then there was a long break with absolutely nothing happening...

It was seeming like it was going to be a day of little excitement until in flew a juvenile eagle. (One of the photographers recognized it as one of the babies from last year due to some distinctive feathers.) The young eagle flew around the area and around the nest seemingly attempting to get the attention of the adult eagles.
When the juvenile landed in a tree in the area, it got a lot of attention...Both parents flew from the nest tree! The female adult shrieked at the "intruder" while the male adult pursued the youngster. It was extremely exciting to see this display!

My morning of photography ended with the arrival of an adult to the nest with a fish lunch.

Flights and Nap

flying high

late flight in with food

after meal nap
(if you'll look inside the circle, you'll see the baby sleeping)

flight after the light had faded

At the end of the day

As I was waiting on a late flight in, I crossed to the opposite side of the tree and saw the beautiful sunset light breaking through the branches. It was such a beautiful sight to me against the backdrop of the darkening clouded sky. I couldn't resist snapping some artistic shots of sun starting to set on the nest tree as the eagle sat waiting on it's mate to return.