| |
American Bald Eagle,
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Facts and Information The American bald eagle is perhaps the most easily recognizable bird in this country. Even though they can be seen fairly often around the Island, I always love seeing them, or getting a glimpse. They are considered locals throughout the Islands, but never commonplace. My Golden Field Guide says they are "rare, but local along shores."
Bald eagles can grow to a length of about 32" and have a wingspan of 80". Huge! That's more than 6 1/2 feet! If you are a little mouse running around in a field and this enormous shape blocks out the sun overhead, that's pretty daunting. It's daunting even if you are driving along the road and spot that distinctive shape flying over the car. Awesome.
Our family likes to go to American Camp National Historical Park (a San Juan Island must see!)
Bald eagles in their nest (photo by Russ Illig)
to walk the trails or go down to the beach at Grandmother's cove. When we're there we always look forward to seeing the massive bald eagle nest occupying a tree near the parking area. One year there were babies and we got to see the parents bringing food and feeding the little ones (which probably aren't so little if you're up close). This photo shows both adults and their 3 babies in the nest.
Check out these fantastic Bald Eagle Web Cam videos. Up close shots of these amazing birds.
Jump over to any of the other San Juan Island bird pages: Belted Kingfisher, Common Raven, Coopers Hawk, Great Blue Heron, Double Crested Cormorant, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-winged Blackbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Sea Hawk, Yellow Rumped Warbler, Great Horned Owl, Wild Turkey, Trumpeter Swan.
Return to American Goldfinch from American Bald Eagle, OR
Return to Simply San Juan.
|
