We got the boat as close to shore as we could--but the eagle was way up in the tree. Instead of using a tripod on solid ground, I was in a boat that was rocking and pitching from boat wakes, etc. With the telephoto lens maxed out, everytime the boat moved, it felt like a four-foot swell!
Every year the eagle pairs build on to their nests, so their nests get gigantic. This nest is not that big, and we've never noticed a nest there before. The authorities usually cordon off areas where eagles are nesting, so they probably haven't discovered this one yet. This nest is also out in the open, which is also something that doesn't happen often. Perhaps this is the first nest for this bald eagle...
The juveniles are a brown color speckled with white. It takes at least four years to mature and develop their magnificent white heads and tails. The females are bigger than the males. Shasta Lake has quite a few nesting pairs, and it is a real privilege when we spot a bald eagle flying overhead, resting in a tree or fishing. Last week we saw a juvenile dive and snatch something out the water. He was chased by a mature eagle who forced him to drop his catch on the shoreline. Another juvenile began chasing the adult eagle. So there's all kinds of drama at the lake!
[/QUOTE
how fortunate you were to have pictures come out so well under those conditions.. just a great opportunity to see and Shasta lake is just filled with awesome things and nature.. No wonder you love it there so much... keep posting ..i love your interesting pics Pacu MOM.
Every year the eagle pairs build on to their nests, so their nests get gigantic. This nest is not that big, and we've never noticed a nest there before. The authorities usually cordon off areas where eagles are nesting, so they probably haven't discovered this one yet. This nest is also out in the open, which is also something that doesn't happen often. Perhaps this is the first nest for this bald eagle...
The juveniles are a brown color speckled with white. It takes at least four years to mature and develop their magnificent white heads and tails. The females are bigger than the males. Shasta Lake has quite a few nesting pairs, and it is a real privilege when we spot a bald eagle flying overhead, resting in a tree or fishing. Last week we saw a juvenile dive and snatch something out the water. He was chased by a mature eagle who forced him to drop his catch on the shoreline. Another juvenile began chasing the adult eagle. So there's all kinds of drama at the lake!
[/QUOTEhow fortunate you were to have pictures come out so well under those conditions.. just a great opportunity to see and Shasta lake is just filled with awesome things and nature.. No wonder you love it there so much... keep posting ..i love your interesting pics Pacu MOM.
