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!