American Bald Eagle Activity
It occurs every fall/winter. Once the Osprey depart in August/September to migrate south, resident Eagles become more noticeable around the Chesapeake Bay. The nearby channel markers, buoys, and Osprey nest platforms quickly become Eagle perches that are now free of the Osprey and their harassment that occurs during the summer months.
Our resident Eagles are now bonding and mating. In addition, nests are being tidied up, in preparation for egg-laying in January, and eaglet-hatching in late February.
Almost daily I can spot a pair of Eagles across Marshy Creek in their perching tree….or on Lippincott’s channel marker….or on the Kent Narrows south end channel markers….or just flying above together, playing. By chance, I might hear them chatter to each other. Having a conversation. Pretty cool I think.
Eagle on Lipincott’s Channel Marker at Sunrise
There is another pair of Eagles that periodically arrive and perch on the Kent Narrows south end channel markers, that appear to come from Kirwan’s or Goodhand’s Creek.
The ‘other’ Eagle pair trying to enjoy a Kent Narrows perch
When they appear, our Marshy Creek pair will take flight and go into attack-mode on the other pair. Aerial chasing occurs, with lots of vocal screaming.
It’s quite entertaining. Although they are at a distance, it still makes you want to grab your camera and take on the challenge of getting all four in one photo.
Two pairs of Eagles interacting for territory channel marker perch control
Once while watching them interact, it was interesting to see one of the Marshy Creek Eagles retreat from the ruckus and decide to perch on the small channel marker that directs the boats into Marshy Creek. A marker that is quite buoyant, which the Eagle quickly found out!
He/her quickly flew to the Marshy Creek tree. I don’t think they will try that perch again.
A final photo of one of the Marshy Creek Eagles doing a fly-by. Not a great photo, but the best I got out of the series I shot.
I love photographing all birds, but there is something about the American Bald Eagle that really gets the adrenaline pumping….. 🙂
Gorgeous photos…At the end of December the bald eagles start to migrate down to the Skagit River north of Seattle and for about two months this is the largest breeding ground in North America. It is so amazing to see that many eagles in one spot as they fish salmon in the river and add to their families before they depart and go north again.
I can only imagine the two months of eagle activity, wow! Words probably cannot express enough how awesome it must be! Thanks so much for sharing Charlie. 🙂
Thank you for a great look at eagle behavior! During the winter months here, the eagles do congregate near the Lake Michigan shoreline, but they have migrated there from farther inland, so there’s no territorial disputes. Come very early spring, when the ice melts on the inland lakes, the eagle spread out across the entire state again.
Thanks for sharing your winter activity as well, it’s interesting to see how it varies in different regions of the U.S. 🙂
They are so majestic.
Yes they are!
Ooh, that last one is really exquisite! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Laura!
Wonderful photos of the eagles, Donna! That fall foliage is just stunning. 🙂
Thank you, Sylvia, that photo was from the end of October early morning, the sun just popped the colors! 🙂
That’s fantastic Donna! 🙂
Thank you, HJ! 🙂
Beautiful pictures. I can see why you get excited.
I’m glad our Eagles have made a come-back from near-extinction and are becoming abundant all around the Chesapeake Bay. No matter the daily sightings, I do enjoy seeing them each time as if a ‘first’. 🙂
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It is always pleasing when nature in any form makes a recovery from a bad situation.
Beautiful and great photographs dear Donna. Thank you, love, nia
Thank you very much, Nia, have a great week!
Cool batch of photos, Donna. I haven’t seenany eagles, and none that I can remember on the Chesapeake. I must be in the wrong places.
Thanks Rick. I know you sail over to the Eastern Shore. You should be able to sight eagles flying or perched on a tree along the Wye River and Miles River and their creeks. I’ve even spotted three eagle nests on the Wye and one of its creeks. Next trip to either of these rivers, watch for them in the mornings & evenings, eagles are more active then. I’m almost positive you’ll see one! 🙂
I’ll do that. I’ve seen them out west on Puget sound, but none here (that I know of). Also just need to keep my eyes open!
Ah, the eagles are splendid! Another reminder that winter brings good things. Beautiful photos. 🙂
Thanks Lisa, I just love love love our eagles, watching them play & bond, or show who’s the boss of the skies. 🙂 Of course, when one is chasing a flock of ducks, I still hold my breath & say a little prayer for the possible unfortunate duck to get away. I know it’s part of nature too, just don’t like seeing that part, lol.