Juvenile Eagle

Today was our first real hike since returning from the road trip (I will post details of the trip once I get through all the photos!). It was hard to leave the clear mountain air and the incredible vistas of the Tetons, but we were happy to be back in familiar territory. The morning was crisp, almost cold. Our breath created faint clouds with every exhale and my hands were numb until we started moving. A lot of foliage has started dying back and the trees are tinted with gorgeous golds and reds.

The thinner undergrowth means clearer views of the ponds and marshes. I was searching the water’s edge for the muskrats, which I haven’t seen for a long time now. Suddenly, my gaze landed on a curious yellow eye looking up at me. A tiny green heron was perched on a log peering out from the shadows. It let me take its picture and watch it for awhile before deciding that maybe it was a good idea to put some distance between itself and Chuck.

We moved on, watching the huge flocks of geese that have gathered. They beat their wings and honked loudly. I could see a few kingfishers, but they were far away and skittish. We went to look for the raccoon, but it didn’t make an appearance. Suddenly, I heard large wings beating and saw a big bird land in a tree. It was followed by another, which landed nearby. I couldn’t get a clear look at either of them but my impression was that they were much larger than the hawks I sometimes see here. We moved around the pond and I kept searching for a better look. Raptors like to perch on the bare trees and dead wood that sticks up out of the marsh. It gives them a good vantage point to look for prey. Sure enough, I spotted the outline of one of the birds high up and far away. I looked at it through the view finder, but even with the zoom, I couldn’t be sure what it was.

We continued our loop around the pond and stopped at a wooded spot that obscures us but gives me a clear view of the water. I scanned the area and noted the geese and some ducks. I turned to move on and spotted it! A massive bird perched on the top of a dead stick protruding from the water. It looked like an extension of the wood, but the huge yellow claws gave it away; it was a juvenile bald eagle! I was so excited to see it there. I’m quite sure there are two sticking together. I will try to find them again next time we visit the pond. What a great welcome home!