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Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Length: 32 in. Wing Span: 7 ft. Adult body, wings and thighs dark chocolate brown (often appears black); massive head white; bill yellow strongly hooked; eyes, feet massive legs are yellow; tail white, somewhat rounded. Immature- all darkbrown when perched; flight reveals diffuse whitish wing linings and base of tail. Flies with slow deliberate wingbeats, wings held flat, straight out, primaries spread. Perches on tall trees. Numbers increasing, with DDT band and protection. VOICE: Piercing scream CALLl: Loud cackle.
Coastal bays, estuaries, rivers and lakes. Resident in New England (uncommon- says the book, but I have seen several in only the first part of the year!). Some migrants (especially in September) and wintering birds (from Canada) in southern New England.
This Eagle was not the only one hanging out at the mouth of this river that empties into the Penobscot Bay. There were at least 2 others, one being a young one. Many birds of prey were at this river mouth waiting for the Alwives. The crows were harassing the one crow which is why he is making his own noise. Osprey also abounded, with some goldfinch sightings. SOURCE: Nat'l Audubon Society- Field Guide to New England (Peter Alden & Brian Cassie)
Spotted on May 11, 2012
Submitted on Jul 11, 2012
1 Comment
Excellent pictures! Great spotting.