waiting on eagle wings: the Shiloh eagles

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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Monday, May 17, 2010

No eagle interpretive programs

Just a note for those visiting the park: The Shiloh Military Park officials have decided to cancel the Eagle Interpretive Programs for May and June. For more information, visit the park website.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Beauty in the Sky

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Tragedy Strikes

It is with a sadness that words cannot describe that I regretfully inform you that both chicks were found dead this morning. The "Shiloh Eagle family" is obviously grieving this tragic loss. :(

Here are some of the last images I shot of the babies on the evening of May 6.

For more information on this sad turn of events, visit the www.shiloheagles.com blog.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

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.