waiting on eagle wings: the Shiloh eagles: 2011

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!!!

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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Tuesday, June 7, 2011

time to roost

This eagle flew in as the night was taking over. It was too late for a detailed shot...but a silhouette can be beautiful too. :)

Thursday, June 2, 2011

eagle yawn

Saturday, May 28, 2011

in the heat

There wasn't much movement going on while I was at the nest. Of course, who could blame them...It was HOT!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

wall worthy

Every year that I have been a regular photographer at the tree, I have come away with one image in particular that holds a deeper meaning for me. For some reason I am drawn to it and, eventually, it will become a piece of artwork on my wall. This year...This is that image, I think...

(The image became a key component in my July 4th tribute as well as my 9/11 memorial tribute. Posted 10/21/11)

the feathers

During some "down-time" waiting for the eagles to return, I happened to notice a few feathers on the ground. They were so beautiful!
Since you are not supposed to take eagle feathers, I decided to "capture" them with my camera instead. :)

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

more baby pics

some baby pics

Friday, May 6, 2011

beautiful evening

sharing a meal

Saturday, April 30, 2011

lots of flying

a younger eagle (perhaps from a previous year) circling close to the nest tree

Friday, April 29, 2011

a beautiful day

Friday, April 22, 2011

Short Flight

Sunday, April 17, 2011

the growing babies

I had a wonderful time watching the babies today. They are growing and moving around more in the nest. One of them was quite active where I could get a decent view...as the little one was fighting sleep before finally fallng into a nap. :)

[Note: You can see both babies in the second shot.]

Two Turtles