Eaglet being fed

[Eric Diller]

Finally spotted two Eaglets in the nest. One was down low but this guy showed his face long enough to get a few shots. Yes...mid day lighting again!! Tough shot since they were hiding behind some sticks. I am guessing but I believe they are around 28 days old

Also have a Pileated Woodpecker nest in the same tree as the Eagles...20 feet down.

Pileated Woodpecker nest...same tree!

 

[Asher Kelman]

Eric,

These pictures are remarkable, as is parenting instinct.

Explain why the eagle does not eat the woodpecker. Is there something toxic or what? After all, it would take little energy for the Eagle to get it. Not as if it's camouflaged!

Thanks for educating us and sharing!

Asher

 

[Andy brown]

Explain why the eagle does not eat the woodpecker.
[/QUOTE]
I'll have a go here Asher.
Because it would not be cool.( that and the woodpeckers are probably too damn aware and slippery)
There are certain unwritten laws in the animal kingdom.
It would be a bit like you eating a goldfish, not gonna happen, bigger fish to fry.

I did however recently see two Wedge Tailed Eagles( Australia's largest raptors, very impressive) chasing a great egret in flight.
I would not have picked this as a target species. The Egret took refuge amongst the eucalypts and escaped.

I love the shot/s with the woodpecker exiting the nest hole with a flourish. Top stuff.

 

[janet Smith]

Hi Eric

Wonderful work as always, but on this occassion the woodpeckers get my vote, you have fantastic timing, this must have happened so fast - what a moment to capture!

 

[Don Cohen]

That 1st Woodpecker shot is wonderful - the emerging/flying bird is sharp, very nicely posed, beautiful complementary sky. It's unusual to see a Lineated, let alone find one tendings its nest!

 

[James Newman]

I agree with most sentiments here. They are all fantastic but that first woodpecker image is exceptional. I am looking forward to seeing the eaglets as they get a bit larger.

By the way, while in college I ate a number of goldfish As I am still unemployed, I may start eating them again.

James Newman

 

[Sandra Jones]

The eagle pictures are really something special. That chick is so cute. Great shots.

I found this thread searching woodpecker as I wanted to see if anyone has posted pictures of the Pileated. Wow..what a nice surprise! How lucky you were to be there to see her flee from the nest. How fast you are to actually capture it. The lighting and clarity are superb.