The Eagle Has Landed

Bald eagles are iconic raptors here in the United States. There's a reason they have become a symbol of the nation and seeing one , especially near one's own home is an experience worth remembering. THey are large, powerful looking birds and quite elegant.

This past week, I was fortunate enough to see more than one over a five day period, while out walking locally.

The first encounter wason Monday afternoon, while walking along Quarry Lakes. What I initially thought was a turkey vulture froma distance, soon turned out to be a bald eagle in flight overhead. As soon as I saw the white tail, I knew it couldn't be a vulture soaring, but instead, it was a bald eagle.

The white head and tail are much different from a vulture.

After it flew off over one of the lakes, I thought it might head for one of several trees I've seen the eagles use as perches, and, I was lucky enough to be correct:

This eagle is one of a breeding pair that nests in another local park in another part of Fremont (Ardenwood Farm). Because there are a lot of fish at Quarry Lakes, the eagles hunting range includes Quarry Lakes. HOwever, their appearance isn't entirely predictable.

In fact, the next day (Tuesday), when I walked in the morning, I didn't see the eagle at all. However, on Wednesday morning, I did:

Eagle on one of its favorite perches, a dead eucalyptus tree, along ALameda Creek Trail.

Eagle stretching its leg.

Note the powerful talons visible in this image.

Again, on Thursday morning, I was fortunate enough to spot it again:

The eagle shares the tree with a crow.

Eagle on its favorite perch.

The eagle constantly shifts its view; it can almost move its head 360 degrees around.

The tail feathers are highlighted, along with the talons in this early morning light.

Then this morning, Friday, what I initially thought was the re-appearance of the adult bald eagle turned out to be something different: an adolescent bald eagle!

Note that the head isn't covered in white feathers and the beak is not uniform in coloration either.

The body and wing feathers have more white in them, as well.

The general shape is there, however, and the beak, though not a bright yellow-orange, is still dramatic.

It will take three-four years for a bald eagle to reach full adulthood. By then, will this one claim Quarry Lakes as its terrtory and find a mate? Overall, it has been a special week and one I will remember for a long time.