"TOO MANY SLEEPLESS NIGHTS???"

Bald Eagle (Adult Male) - 7 Photos

Adult Bald Eagles are particularly striking in all their white head glory (Photo #1).

Have photographed this eagle previously but this time there appeared to be even more shadowing around his eyes. His partner could, in fact, be preparing to hatch eggs and with her potentially being more restricted to staying close to the nest, he would be on "double duty", i.e. not only responsible for catching fish/food for himself but also for his mate. 

However, upon reviewing Photo #2 , it appears that there are muddy patches on the top of his head, which are probably the result of contact from mud, while in the process of retrieving his catch. So that more intense shadowing around the eyes & beak is most likely the aftermath from a fish or other prey at least partially consumed.

However, if his mate is indeed on a nest with impending eaglets on the horizon, the responsibility of providing food for his mate will increase two or even threefold with young hungry mouths to feed. And then, perhaps, the shadowing will become more pronounced. :) 

Have included as Photo #7, a photo of the same eagle taken just a week or two before, for comparison purposes. 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7