The immature eagle then goes through a series of five annual partial molts as it changes into adult plummage, usually by year five, and becomes the mature bald eagle that we most often recognize with that flashing white head and tail. 
This beautiful subadult is probably into its third year of age, identified in part by that osprey-like look to his face, his yellowing cere and tawny but not dark beak. This I have on the opinion of a veteran birder observing him with me, only because I asked. And I did ask because I had never had the opportunity to see these facial markings before. Pretty striking, huh?
He was resting on a sandbar as we passed the Hiwassee Island on our return trip to the marina. Eagles are known to perch on the ground as well as on limbs and dead knobs.
And just before we encountered him, we spotted two more subadults in flight coming from the same area. He is believed to be the third of a group of subadults seen hanging out together over the winter. He sat quietly as we passed, then finally decided to lift off, presumably to join his buddies. Need I say what a gorgeous sight that was? The power in those wings...
In all we saw seven bald eagles, two adults and five subadults.This is the second of a series on my recent Blue Moon cruise on the Tennessee River. Click here to see the first post.
Next: herons displaying at the rookery.
WOW! What a terrific experience! I didn't realise that young bald eagles look so much like Ospreys -- always happy to learn something new about these lovely creatures!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your beautiful pix!
Vickie, what a wonderful experience. I think I would still be holding my breath in awe.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you were able to see bald eagles. I didn't know that it takes so long for eagles to mature. The subadult certainly does look striking in your photos. Awesome images of the lift off!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a delightful blog! I found you while trying to identify some of the raptors that frequent my yard. I built a little waterfall and pond in my yard and love all of the visitors. I get Doves, Quail and all sorts of other species who visit on a regular basis. I thought the Hawk that stops in every now and then is a Coopers Hawk, yet when I saw you post with the Peregrine Falcon, it left me scratching my head and wondering if I'm right. I'm no bird expert, but I love them all, and I think your blog is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteSuch an amazing experience and beautiful photos to remember it by, too. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWow, what beautiful shots of the young eagle, Vickie! I have to admit, I'm very jealous! Only once have I seen a bald eagle close to home (last month on a wetlands excursion), and that one was so high that you had to use binocs just to be sure it really was a bald eagle! The only other time I've seen one in the wild was out a train window about twelve years ago, somewhere between Winnepeg and Churchill, Manitoba.
ReplyDeleteGreat info on the juvie/subadult eagles, too. Thanks for sharing the new found knowledge!
Another excellent post of information and super captures of the Bald Eagle Vickie!
ReplyDeleteI really like the in flight photos, especially the last two, seeing those beautiful underwings.
I love that plumage! That is so cool that you were able to see them, and have pictures to remember them by.
ReplyDeleteVery nice images!
ReplyDeleteRecently, a second year Bald Eagle stood on the ice on the cove off our back yard. It was eating something unknown. We have watched Bald Eagles bathe during low tide in the cove during the summer months.