Forty seven, that is the number of Bald Eagles seen on the roughly forty kilometre drive along the Lardeau River from Meadow Creek to Trout Lake. On earlier autumnal drives there, the count has ranged from as few as 6 to as many as 68.
Of course, it isn’t that I have any need to see so many eagles (although they can be fun), but a high eagle count hints at the likelihood of seeing Grizzly Bears. The links between them are the spawning Kokanee. If Kokanee are plentiful, birds and bears come to feed. Alas, no grizzlies were seen on this jaunt (although the Mountain Goats were nice)—another trip is in order.
Although eagle count numbered 47, only a few were photographed, and fewer still were worth showing. This adult in a cedar tree offered the most colourful scene.
Most, like this juvenile, merely sat on tree limbs and watched the river below.
Now and then one would fly from one vantage point to another, as did this juvenile.
Here and there, one could see an eagle chowing down on a Kokanee.
Adults were better at catching the fish than were juveniles. The adult (right) perched on driftwood while eating. A hungry juvenile (left) joined it, but waited until the adult left before daring to eat the scraps.
Spectacular photos. Great composition coupled with a great lens. Thanks for sharing your pictures. I get them via David Hersh.
Arnie, you could merely subscribe yourself. Nevertheless, thank you.
It was interesting to learn that the juvenile colouring looks very little like the adult eagle. I had no idea. At what age do they start to look more like the adults?
Susi, Bald Eagles take four to five years to attain adult plumage and also to reach sexual maturity. The fact that for the first two and a half years, the juvenile Bald Eagle has extensive brown plumage prompts many misidentifications. People think that they are seeing a Golden Eagle, when they are not.
That is a great Eagle count for this early in the season..