The Bald Eagles of SL&GC
The emblem bird of the United States, majestic in its appearance. It is not always so majestic in habits: it often feeds on carrion, including dead fish washed up on shore, and it steals food from Ospreys and other smaller birds. At other times, however, it is a powerful predator. Seriously declining during much of the 20th century, the Bald Eagle has made a comeback in many areas since the 1970s. Big concentrations can be found wintering along rivers or reservoirs in some areas.
Eagle images and commentary courtesy of Dallas Hetherington.
EAGLE FAMILY
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This family photo was taken at the “spoils”, just above Ravine Lake, at the edge of Lake Club property.
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Young eagles usually fledge (start to fly) about 10 – 12 weeks after they hatch. They fledge as full-grown eagles, except they don’t have the white head and tail. Those take 5+ years to occur and this color pattern signals the bird has finally reached maturity.
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Our Ravine Lake nest has generally fledged late May or early June, close to Memorial Day.
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During the day two adults will often perch on the same branch or in nearby trees for short periods of time, but it’s a special moment when the parents and the fledglings can be seen together, like this. This special scene developed and ended all within just a few minutes.