Posted by Bill Maile on November 9, 2013 at 12:49 PM
I don't have the chance to tell you the whole story, but I walked out to my car in Northeastern PA, and saw this huge bird up in a tree--a first here. A few weeks ago. I've seen many bald eagles, mature, IM/Juvie, etc. I'm assuming this is a 2013 fledgling BE. Can you please confirm, or if not, ID?? I don't know why, but Golden would be extremely rare here, and I just want to rule it out for good.
If it is the BE I suspect, there is a possible funny coincidence behind it, more later. Thank you all!!! I miss NPN. Even the critiques. (sorry for the lousy photos here!)
Posted by Keith Bauer on November 9, 2013 at 12:55 PM
Yep, looks like an immature Bald Eagle. All the characteristics are right.
Posted by David Graham on November 10, 2013 at 7:42 AM
it's a juv. bald eagle of this year's hatch. The total absence of any white flecking on the head and the scant gray flecks on the breast are testimony to its recent hatch. the other differentiating feature of a bald eagle from a goldie is the massive rhinotheca ( upper bill) typical of the large fish eagles. the golden eagle's bill is less maasive almost by half, and the upper line of the smaller, more "refined" beak does not jut straigt forward brfore beginning its downward curve, as seen here; it is tilted a bit downward, its curve having begun immediately at its base. Google "golden eagle" > images and observe the characteristically smaller, less massive bill of that species. Bill shape and mass is a very usefuldifferentiating characteristic especially when the eagle in question is seen in silhouette with no discernible plumage color pattern.
Dave Graham
Posted by Bill Maile on November 13, 2013 at 10:00 AM
Thank you Keith, and Dave, great explanation--I was 99% sure BE, just kind of hoping to see a Golden.
The funny part of the story may be that this young eagle was hatched by the two adults that I helped the PA Game Commission track, and became the first nesting and breeding pair of Bald Eagles in my home county. The nest is not five miles from my home, it just would be a funny thing if one of their three hatches made a visit to MY home, instead of the other way around!
Discussion
3 repliesIf it is the BE I suspect, there is a possible funny coincidence behind it, more later. Thank you all!!! I miss NPN. Even the critiques.
Dave Graham
The funny part of the story may be that this young eagle was hatched by the two adults that I helped the PA Game Commission track, and became the first nesting and breeding pair of Bald Eagles in my home county. The nest is not five miles from my home, it just would be a funny thing if one of their three hatches made a visit to MY home, instead of the other way around!