Wild Bald Eagle Close Up !

After all my luck this season with the adult bald eagles, the various juvenile bald eagles and even the bald eagle baby from the Jericho nest, I hardly expect to see any more when I step out onto the tidal flats at Spanish Banks in English Bay (Vancouver) for one of the last low tide days of the year. The water is quite close to shore compared to the record lows of June.

Instead of trying to get to the sand bar, favourite fishing spot of bald eagles and great blue heron alike, I walk west, parallel to shore. Its a hot sunny day and the beach is filled with noisy families enjoying the late summer day. On the tidal flats are a few adventurous dog walkers and other die hards.

I turn a corner and am astounded to see an adult bald eagle - looking rather wet - sitting comfortably on the sand! Not 30 meters from shore. I simply can not believe my luck. The bald eagle sees me but doesn't even flinch. I approach carefully, camera at the ready.

Its head is wet, probably from fishing. When I'm able to look closely at the shot, I see there is a piece of seaweed stuck in its beak, with a drop of water dangling on the end.

(Click Images to Enlarge)

NEXT
LAST
Wild Bald Eagles 42

It looks perfect enough to be a postcard!
Wild Bald Eagles 43

Detail of just the head. Wow, wow!

A quick glance about gives me confidence that there are no clueless people, or unruly dogs, coming this way to chase my subject off (as often happens). I have time to change lenses, and to set up a nice shot that includes the bald eagle's reflection.
Wild Bald Eagles 44

S/He's turned its head the other way for this one.
Wild Bald Eagles 45

I'd like to get more but something sends it flying off.

My days of wandering the tidal flats are numbered, until next year. At least I will still have the bald eagle nest site at Jericho to visit!

Proceed to NEXT eagle story