In my previous post I admitted driving 1.5 hours to chase a new lifer bird at Blackwater NWR, but I knew if I wasn’t successful in seeing or capturing the Tropical Kingbird, I would still have an awesome time with plenty of other birds to enjoy. There is never a bad day at this refuge and it’s approx. seven-mile paved wildlife drive!
A special delight I was looking forward to seeing is the refuge’s famous Bald Eagle nest and its year-round resident pair you’ll find towards the end of the drive on your left, across the water in plain sight.
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Bald Eagles and their home in a loblolly pine tree
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Although their nest is well-established, this Eagle pair will begin preparations in December for the nesting stage. Their eggs will be laid late January to early February. In 32-36 days, those eggs will hatch.
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Bald Eagles (male left, female right)
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After a little chatter from the female, the male took flight.
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Male Bald Eagle leaving nest
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Male Bald Eagle dropping into flight as female looks away
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Male Bald Eagle on a mission, heading to the river
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Bald Eagle (female) awaits his return, hopefully with a nice fish for her!
