"HELLO & GOODBYE"

Bald Eagle (Adult) - 7 Photos

Although the young eagles have now successfully fledged, they are still dependent on their parents for food and like most teenagers, have huge appetites.

On this particular occasion, Mum came back with a fish, deposited it and flew to a perch in a nearby tree, leaving her offspring to dine (the first "hello"). Having had their fill, the youngsters flew to a tree across the river from their mother. It was an opportunity for her to fly back and eat any leftovers, before the magpies could do cleanup.

And then back she came again, to the same branch. This time, however, it wasn't long before her offspring joined her on nearby branches, constantly chirping at her. Parenting eagles must have enormous tolerance & patience, particularly with youngsters persistently crying for more food or perhaps, just attention. It really must be just turning a deaf ear or two, even if those ears are hidden. 

Having received no reaction from their mother, (in fact, she just continued grooming & stretching), eventually they flew downriver. Then it was their mother's turn to fly but in the opposite direction (the final "goodbye"), perhaps for more fishing but definitely into an environment of more peace & quiet.

HELLO

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

GOODBYE

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7