more Barred Owl images....

[dockothebay]

I found this guy feeding just off the county road, I've seen him several times, but on this day he (or maybe she) decided to pose quite nicely!

Last night we found these two young eagles feeding on a deer carcass in the same area where I saw the owl. Later there were 4 turkey vultures having dinner at the same buffet!

I think this first one is a first year juvie, and the next picture is a second year. Confirmation from those of you who are more well versed in identification would be appreciated!

[finnbay]

Great finds! Those owls are a beautiful bird!

[Dbl]

I agree with Ken, they are beautiful birds! Nice find!

[cribbageboy]

Yup. Great pics!!! As to your eagle ageing question, this is what I can add. Baldies have 6 major plumage phases. Juvenal, Basic I, Basic II, Basic III, Basic IV, and Definitive. The first picture is of a bird in Juvenal Plumage. Best way to tell is dark eyes, no yellow on the beak, and fully brown neck and head. The second picture is a little tougher to tell. At first I thought it was a Basic I, but then I looked at the eye. Bald Eagles generally dont start showing a yellow eye until the Basic II stage, making it a 2.5 year old bird. Just my $.02. Amazing pictures there!!!!!!

[dockothebay]

Thanks guys! CB, thanks for the ID info as well. The two eagles were together, and I first thought they were osprey. Once I realized they were young eagles I could see some differences in the plumage, but wasn't sure how long it took before they have their mature look.

[JayinMN]

Beautiful shots Jackie, I really like the second picture of the owls profile.

[micpic]

All the images are nice and the tutorial from CB is an extra bonus. Nice work from both of you!

Mike