This bird was photographed in Southern NJ. A few minutes later it flew about 100 yds and plucked a 10" turtle out of the water and landed on a nearby sand-bar to eat it. The more I research the ID, the more it looks like a Golden rather than an immature Bald Eagle. What do you think?
as would be the expected species in NJ, this is an immature Bald Eagle. The huge bill and the extensive white on the underwing coverts (not the bases of the primaries) make it a Bald.
Based on location, coloration, prey, habitat etc. I would also go with immature Bald Eagle. My Petereson Field Guide doesn't show the different immature plumages of the Bald Eagle but if you google it you will see that it matches up. Wish I was wrong though and that a Golden was headed up to Long Island!
Thank you , Gentlemen, I will settle for a Bald Eagle any day. While it was eating the turtle, it was joined by another immature Bald Eagle, somewhat smaller and with more white. While they were fighting over the turtle, a third, mature eagle flew overhead paying no attention to the ones below. After an hour or so I left only to spot a Peregrine Falcon perched in a dead tree about 100 yards away. It was a great day in NJ.
Discussion
5 repliesBased on location, coloration, prey, habitat etc. I would also go with immature Bald Eagle. My Petereson Field Guide doesn't show the different immature plumages of the Bald Eagle but if you google it you will see that it matches up. Wish I was wrong though and that a Golden was headed up to Long Island!