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February 19, 2022
Young Bald Eagle at the Celery Farm
My wife Patty saw this young Bald Eagle from our window, and I sneaked out to get a photo — a distant one — of the large raptor out on Lake Appert.
That's why it pays to keep voices down at the Celery Farm!
Will ask around as to its age.
Not a bad bird for the Great Backyard Bird Count. How about you?
(Thanks, Patty!)
3 comments
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I’m doing a rethink. Just looked at the closeups and this bird has one of those “Zorro masks” which would put it closer to 3rd or 4th year. I dare not look at the bird any closer or again because soon it will turn into a full 6-year adult — in another day or two!
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I am definitely not an eagle-aging expert, but I think John (hi, John!) is spot-on. The head markings were very eye-catching to me… This site is handy: https://avianreport.com/age-and-identify-a-juvenile-and-sub-adult-bald-eagle/
I saw what I’m guessing was the same eagle in flight over the lake this morning, just a little after 10am. I wish I hadn’t missed it on the ice! -
Hi Jim, Saw it twice yesterday late afternoon, up close with the bins, in flight as it passed by the Warden’s Watch. Had lots of white on belly and undersides; some ragged trailing edges on the wings (which indicates, I think I read once, that it’s in process of molting out of its very first flight feathers; and something of a white triangle on back. So I’d put it somewhere in its second year. Behavior was also sort of “juvenile” in that it made a lot of amateur half-hearted moves toward the ducks and geese sitting on the lake. None successful. More clueless than playful. Clearly in the learning mode. But I’m no expert. Cheers!
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3 comments
John Workman
I’m doing a rethink. Just looked at the closeups and this bird has one of those “Zorro masks” which would put it closer to 3rd or 4th year. I dare not look at the bird any closer or again because soon it will turn into a full 6-year adult — in another day or two!
julie
I am definitely not an eagle-aging expert, but I think John (hi, John!) is spot-on. The head markings were very eye-catching to me… This site is handy: https://avianreport.com/age-and-identify-a-juvenile-and-sub-adult-bald-eagle/
I saw what I’m guessing was the same eagle in flight over the lake this morning, just a little after 10am. I wish I hadn’t missed it on the ice!
John Workman
Hi Jim, Saw it twice yesterday late afternoon, up close with the bins, in flight as it passed by the Warden’s Watch. Had lots of white on belly and undersides; some ragged trailing edges on the wings (which indicates, I think I read once, that it’s in process of molting out of its very first flight feathers; and something of a white triangle on back. So I’d put it somewhere in its second year. Behavior was also sort of “juvenile” in that it made a lot of amateur half-hearted moves toward the ducks and geese sitting on the lake. None successful. More clueless than playful. Clearly in the learning mode. But I’m no expert. Cheers!