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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Saturday, April 17, 2010

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.
*sb*