Bay Photos by Donna

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We are all familiar with the easily identifiable adult plumage of our majestic Bald Eagle.

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Bald Eagle

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Bald Eagle

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It takes approximately 5½ years for the Bald Eagle to attain full adult plumage.

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Bald Eagle

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Until then, juvenile and immature eagles go through a series of variable plumage.

Juvenile birds (½ year) have the least variable plumage with overall dark colors.

From 1½ through 4½ years of age, the plumages become more diverse and unpredictable, making it very difficult to actually age an immature Bald Eagle.

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Bald Eagle (immature)

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Bald Eagle (adult)

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Bald Eagle with something to say

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Bald Eagle (immature)

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Bald Eagle (adult)

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Bald Eagle (immature)

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Good look at coloring of this immature Bald Eagle

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Bald Eagle (adult)

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This next eagle photo is a bonus treat.  I gave Grandson #2 his first real camera, a point-and-shoot with zoom lens, for his 6th birthday this past January.  During one of his recent sleepovers, he and I went to the refuge to count and shoot birds with his new camera.

It was very exciting when we spotted an Eagle that worked for him out his car window.  And how perfectly wonderful it works with my gallery here. 🥰 Grandma proud!

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Bald Eagle
(taken by Grandson #2, age 6)

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(All photos taken at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Rock Hall, Maryland)

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