Do I really need to mention that these photos come from Stephen Barnard in Idaho? The bald eagles at Silver Creek are nesting, causing great commotion in the surrounding heron nests (I believe these eagles took over a heron nest and enlarged it. The surrounding herons in their nests are, of course, going nuts).
His note:
The female is incubating the eggs and the male is on alert for intruders.
Just as a matter of interest … why “bald” eagles? They sure don’t look bald to me. “Bold”, maybe, but thoroughly pinnate.
Is that the feathered equivalent of hirsuite?
Bald has a sense ‘shining’ as in the Gothic Balting family – the “Shining Ones.” Balding trousers for example. However in this instance the first use in the OED Online is –
1692 R. Frame Descr. Pennsylv. 27 The Turky-Buzard and Bald-Eagle high, Wild Ducks, which in great Companyes do fly.
Then in 1694 –
1694 Philos. Trans. 1693 (Royal Soc.) 17 989 The Second is the Bald Eagle, for the Body and part of the Neck being of a dark brown, the upper part of the Neck and Head is covered with a white sort of Down, whereby it looks very bald, whence it is so named.
Stephen, do they not attack the herons? Have they a main prey in this area or does anything available get eaten?
It reminds me of Shakespeare’s “I know a hawk from a harnser,” (rather than handsaw) a harnser or heronshaw being a young heron.
Yes, they will attack herons. Their main prey is fish, but they’ll eat heron chicks or anything else they can get they talons on.
*Their
The male looks like one tough hombre to me.
You’re so lucky to have those eagles to photograph and enjoy! The pictures are lovely!
::humming patriotic music::
I think the female eagle is vulnerable on the nest when the male isn’t around. She has to stay on the eggs — it’s still pretty cold here — subfreezing at times. I have in the past seen the nest harassed by ospreys and red-tails. I wouldn’t put it past herons to attack her. But the male has to go out every day to fish. These eagles don’t have it easy.
Iggles are about to hatch in Pittsburgh: http://www.pixcontroller.com/eagles/
Jerry, can we see a photo of Stephen Barnard? I think it is about time!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/110292855@N05/13470137155/
Nice! I was thinking it would be funny if you posted a picture of an eagle. Claim you ARE and eagle!
Who’s that holding you, Stephen?
😀
Lovely Stephen, thanks again!
Stephen: keep these coming; they brighten up the worst days and I’ve just had one. They’re great. Thank you so much.