A visit to the eagle's nest was made most recently, as of this writing, on 30 December 2012 with images from that trip represented in this article.
The Osprey above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
It was a treat to observe the eagles with
Frank Constantin visiting from Quebec, Canada, and
Melissa Groo visiting from Ithaca, New York. Both have the highest regard for discretion of the nest location and well-being of the eagles. I initially thought that the eagles might mate at sunset as they showed typical behavior. After some time, however, the sound of eaglets was heard.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
I speculate that the eaglets were mere days old while the female eagle remained perched on the side of the nest. The male was almost always present on a not too distant tree watching over his family. The previous visit to the nest was made on 20 November when a
failed mating attempt was observed. The male eagle was observed to bring a small branch to the nest. The most intriguing action involved an Osprey that approached the nest closely.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
The Turkey Vulture above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
Although I am not positive of this, I believe that the male eagle stole a catfish from the talons of the Osprey and brought it to the nest. The action happened extremely quickly and it is possible that the Osprey attempted to take the fish from the eagle. There was unquestionable contact between the two species. An eagle's nest in North Fort Myers has been observed by thousands with an
Eagle Cam sponsored by a local business. The young eagles appear to have been very well fed.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park at Big Carlos Pass in December 2012.
I'm in awe of your magnificent captures. Eagles are such amazing birds to watch.
ReplyDeleteJust stunning Bob. I've been glued to the SWFL Eagle Cam just fascinated with the close-ups of the baby eagles. Your shots are just spectacular.
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