#37 - Blue Sky Bonus

I didn't get a tape-measure on this mature Bald Eagle that dropped in yesterday.

If it was a female, the wings may have spanned seven feet. Males measure a few inches less.

Top o' the food chain -- 7-foot wingspan.

This commanding visitor circled our yard a few times with loud vocalizing that brought me running with the camera. 

To hear the eagle's call, click on this link and then on the arrow next to "listen." 

It roosted a few moments in one of our tallest Western White Pines. Then it resumed the lazy circling of an afternoon hunt, accompanied by a smaller, immature companion that lacked the bright white head and tail feathers.

Yes, I know purists disdain eagles for being "common as crows" these days. 

Taking a break in the treetops.

And eagles are low-hanging fruit for amateur photographers, much easier to find in the lens than, for instance, a tiny, speeding hummingbird. 

Eagles are large, confident and fairly tolerant of humans. No one would characterize them as nervous, little birds.

Common or not, when eagles visit your yard, you can't help but watch. They own the sky.

We are having a stretch of cold, clear weather, with nights in the 20s. Blue skies and Bald Eagles are just two of the bonuses that come with it.