Eagle Watch: The May 2009 Canoe-Kayak Paddle
at Bald Eagle State Park, Pennsylvania		May 30, 2009

 

After missing two years (!), Sue and I made it back for the May 2009 eagle paddle across the lake (we each had separate kayaks) to visit the bald eagle family at Bald Eagle State Park (BESP).

The new enironmental ranger, Nick Thomas, did an excellent job in conducting us across the lake in kayaks and canoes supplied by Ed of Tussey Mountain Outfitters.

The weather and sunlight couldn't have been better. It was a wonderful crossing with splendid views of one of the adults and the three eaglets. The first photo shows an overall of the nest, with a parent watching and a youngster balancing on a white pine limb.

 
Adult bald eagle, eaglet, and next
 

The eaglets are only about 12 weeks old but already full size.
 
Adult bald eagle and eaglet
 

None of the three eaglets can fly yet, but wing practice is well underway.
 
Three eaglets

 
Some time in the next week or two, the three eaglets will begin experimenting with their first flights. The next (and final) eagle paddle of the year is within two weeks, so perhaps I'll be able to photograph some action then.

Resources:

  • Nick Thomas has a varied and busy program for just about everyone at Bald Eagle State Park, Pennsylvania
  • For learning about, renting, or buying a kayak: Tussey Mountain Outfitters
  • By eagle-watching spot at the end of the park road Hunter Run, you'll probably come across Ron Shaffer. He has beautiful photos of the eagles (as well as other wildlife), scopes set up so visitors can clearly see the nest, and a visitor log that everyone should sign.
Photo note: I used a Pentax K200D, with the SMC-A* 300mm lens, for the photos taken on May 30, 2009.  


The June 2005 or June 2006 eagle paddle

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