Bald Eagle

Description:

Massive. A 'first year' (hatched this year). It takes 4-5 years for their white feathers to come in.

Habitat:

This bird and its two siblings hatched atop a forest on the edge of the Elizabeth River in Chesapeake, Virginia, USA. Nesting Ospreys are nearby, as well as Great Blue Heron, Great Egrets and I've seen two accipiters (long tailed hawks).

Notes:

I talked with the man who bands eagles for our state, and he believes this is one of 3 chicks 'produced' this year by the nest at this location. At this location, 5 days earlier, I also saw and photoed another 'first year.' It was banded and believed to be RX - banded by Bryan Watts 5/18/2016 in the next city over: Virginia Beach. It is interesting to me that this site hosts 'first year' eagles from different nests. I have seen an adult here too, on each of the days, I've seen the first years.