waiting on eagle wings: the Shiloh eagles: April 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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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.]

Monday, April 11, 2011

the day's highlights

Friday, April 8, 2011

baby pics

The babies are growing and becoming more active. Here are some images taken today. (Please excuse the quality. Shooting conditions were not the best at the time.)

stretching little wings

flying

With the threat of a federal government looming on this beautiful Friday, I made plans to get to the nest (even if I only had a few evening hours to spare). So, here are a few flight shots from today....