We had quite a surprise yesterday at Umstead State Park. A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was gathering some brush for its nest as we walked by Reedy Creek Lake. We noticed it when it took off from across the lake. Luckily, it landed on a tree for a brief moment. It was just long enough for me to take the camera out of my bag and get a picture. Then it flew away, presumably to its nest.
I wish I had gotten better pictures. It was fast and far away. I still wanted to share the experience with you. After walking and observing nature for over four years, these are the first pictures we’ve gotten of a bald eagle in the wild.
Have you seen any bald eagles?