Michael Reinhart wrote, “I looked out the window and saw a VERY large bird circling low over the water – an immature Bald Eagle. While grabbing my camera, I noticed that there was a gull on the water under the eagle. The eagle attacked, picking up the gull, and flew off adjusting its prey in its talons.
Another gull [a Western Gull] made a few dives at the eagle, but the eagle kept going and disappeared around the cliff.”
Mike caught sight of the juvenile Bald Eagle on a bluff where he/she presumably finished off his or her meal.
It is heartening to see the recovery of Bald Eagles. As their numbers increased, they began expanding their territory northward along the coast. First we saw a pair in Jenner, and then two years later, the Gualala Bald Eagles arrived. Could this young one be last year's offspring of the Gualala pair? Maybe!
Thanks to Mike for allowing me to share his photos with you here.
It's sunny and breezy today, and achingly beautiful!