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Hillbillygirl
01-29-2011, 08:43 PM
Well, we went on another trip for owls and unfortunately, skunked again.
But as a consolation prize we did find a few Bald Eagles.

Couple of mature male

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5212/5399038795_0f12c625e8_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5257/5399639742_3bece12cb4_b.jpg

Couple of juvenile female

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5251/5399668022_5d916d883b_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5399641878_a08b5ded0f_b.jpg

Iguanasan
01-29-2011, 11:39 PM
Fine detail on these shots, HBG.

Mad Aussie
01-30-2011, 02:08 AM
Such an awesome bird. Nice set.

JAS_Photo
01-30-2011, 02:34 AM
Lovely set! Such regal feathers and carriage on those birds.

Hillbillygirl
01-30-2011, 06:47 AM
Thanks all. They are such a regal looking creature, especially close up. There were three sitting in a tree at lakes edge when we got there and they started screaming at me as soon as I got within 50 yds. Unbelievable sound.

Wicked Dark
01-30-2011, 08:44 AM
nice ones. I'm never this lucky...oh well.
and how can you tell the difference between the genders? I thought they weren't sexually dimorphic.

Bambi
01-30-2011, 09:00 AM
nice shots HBG. One day I will get a shot of an eagle that doesn't look like a speck!

Hillbillygirl
01-30-2011, 10:06 AM
Thanks a lot WD and Bambi. I will say we are quite lucky to have these overwinter here, and they are quite unafraid of human activity. There are not many around their usual haunts this year, just have to read the area for preferred winter habitat to find them. There were actually quite a few of them in this particular location.
As for the difference between sexes it is actually quite apparent when you see them side by side. The females are approx. one third larger than the males in most occasions. They are quite huge. This is very common in many raptors actually. No real proven theory why, but many have surfaced. Here is a quick link for ya'. http://www.stanford.edu/group/stanfordbirds/text/essays/Size_and_Sex.html

Wicked Dark
01-30-2011, 05:05 PM
I thought it might be something like that, HBG, but I didn't read closely in my Sibley guide if it says that. Thanks for the info and yeah, maybe someday I can get shots like yours.

edG
01-30-2011, 06:30 PM
Really enjoy these shots, such an incredible looking bird.

Hillbillygirl
01-30-2011, 07:08 PM
Thanks very much for the kind words WD, hardest part is finding them.
Thanks a lot Ed, much appreciated.