Adult Bald Eagles are almost universally admired for their regal appearance but sadly the mottled immature eagles are often much less appreciated.
1/2500, f/8, ISO 500, Canon 40D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
This is an older photo of an immature Bald Eagle taken at Farmington Bay WMA in late January of 2009. This eagle and several others had been scavenging for and squabbling over dead carp at the 4-way pond. This handsome bird allowed me about a dozen close up photos in good light. I’ve posted a couple of them over the years but this one is new to my blog.
For my tastes this bird is one of the most strikingly handsome immature Bald Eagles I’ve ever seen, much less photographed, and that effect is enhanced by the slightly drooping and fanned wing primaries and those good looking ‘pantaloons’.
With our recent storms, cold weather and snow Bald Eagle season around here is approaching very quickly. Since I had to have my huge ‘eagle tree‘ removed last year I almost certainly won’t see any in my neighborhood this winter but yesterday Facebook friend and renowned wildlife artist Carel Brest van Kempen reported that his “neighborhood wintering Bald Eagle is back” here in Salt Lake City and he included a photo to prove it. .
I hope it’s a good winter for eagles and for those of us who admire them so much.
Ron
i agree, he is a handsome fellow, and great photo from yourself!
Oh my, he is just all kinds of gorgeous! 😍😍😍
Beautiful bird! Today I did see one flying over the mud flats between the Island and the Wasatch front
I saw two of them at Farmington today, far away. May have been the same bird.
He is handsome. Love the shot!
Thanks, Jean.
A real beauty but then I’ll take an eagle at any age! To my eyes this one has a particularly attractive look…those varied feathers are beautiful. They are back here in full force along the river. So nice to see.
Kathy, I saw a couple of them at Farmington this morning though it’s possible they were the same bird.
Wonderful shot of a raptorial wader. 🙂
Thank you, Patrick.
Seeing this photo and scrolling through the comments I am tickled on several fronts.
I love that so many of your commentators have embraced britches/pantaloons (and these are a fine example).
And my aging self also loves that this bird is usually considered more beautiful as an adult – which is so very different to our own culture.
And what a beauty it is. Thanks Ron.
EC, I give you full credit for originally applying those terms to birds, raptors in particular. Who else would come up with it but you… 🙂
And, while not scientific, it is an entirely appropriate description. I was and am glad to see that other people see it too (and don’t sneer at me).
My Favorite 😍 The different colors it goes through until full maturity…. WOW❗️Ours are back and loving salmon season right now.
Maybe a neighbor will be the next lucky one to a new nest⁉️
Diana, there’s a fishing pond close to my neighborhood so it’s possible.
Absolutely regal, from the tilt of his head to the flare of his britches—what
a handsome bird !
I agree, Kris.
A camo suit! He or she is quite beautiful. I am with Laura Culley, though. Give me a Golden! The CA Raptor Center has had several, some trained to the fist. The first one I knew was over 45 when she died. She was small and we thought she was a he till she laid an egg about 5 years after intake. She loved her bath, and would let me spritz her with a hose while she stood in her water dish. Wonderful bird. Used to entertain small children by eating her morning rat with great gusto. The kids loved it. Ewwww. Kids love “ewww-ing”. I miss her.
Sallie, 45 is incredibly old for a Bald Eagle. Their life span in the wild is listed as about 20 years.
You could have said this is a painting and I would have believed it. A wonderful rendition, in any case.
‘Pantaloons’ – bwahahaha! Good one Ron 🙂
EC gets credit for that one, Kathleen.
He IS a beautiful immature Bald! 😀 Sleek with beautiful mottling….
Wind but no Chinook (22 degrees). At least snow is settled (mostly)……😉
Judy, it’s cold here too but this morning was absolutely gorgeous. And I even got some great birds in my viewfinder. It’s been a while…
He reminds me of brindle dogs. Lovely!
Thanks, Arwen.
Cindy, that’s a PERFECT analogy!! Well done!
And yes, what a lovely bald eagle as bald eagles go. Me? I’d rather a golden but that’s just me 😉
As usual, beautiful image Ron!
I’ll admit to a preference for Golden’s too but both are darn impressive birds.
That raptor is gorgeous! I have seen some very striking immatures over the years and I love them. They sort of remind me of paint and pinto horses which i also have a fondness for.
I like your horse analogy, Cindy. It works.
A beautiful young eagle and a beautiful photo. Over the years I have seen some very handsome immature eagles, but you are right in that the immature eagles are much less appreciated. Thanks for posting this beauty.
Thank you, Everrett.