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, March 20, 2011

happy spring!

Today was the most exciting day that I've had all season, I think.  Here are a few of the highlights today.

now serving fish

incoming


While these weren't the best photos of the day, those at the nest at this time were treated to some long high soaring.

end of the day...
Can you see the eagle?

*sb*

Saturday, March 19, 2011

finally flying

Since the babies have hatched, we are getting more shooting opportunities. :)

My favorite of the day

flying into the tree

at the end of the day

what it looked like as it flew right over my head

incoming flight

cleaning the beak

*sb*

Thursday, March 17, 2011

One Baby, One Egg

Today marked the birth of the first 2011 eaglet! We are looking forward to the second egg "birth" in a few days. :)

(photos courtesy of the National Park Service)

*sb*

Sunday, March 13, 2011

the waiting game

For the past few days, it's been a HUGE waiting game. The eagles are switching out approximately once per day which leaves huge amounts of time with no bird in sight. Fortunately, the waiting eagle did reward me with a few minutes of moving inside the nest.  Otherwise, it would have been another day of waiting without a single shot.


*sb*

Monday, March 7, 2011

sitting as the sun sets


*sb*