Bald Eagle (juv.)
Haliaeetus leucocephalus

f5 @ 1/5000s, ISO:1000, Nikon D3S w 300mm


A juvenile bald eagle mantling over a fish. When mantling birds of prey typically hunch their shoulders and spread their wings over a recent kill to conceal it from other birds and predators who would be potential thieves. Many birds of prey practice mantling after a kill while they are feeding on the ground, particularly in open areas with less shelter or cover to provide natural concealment. While mantling, the feeding birds may exhibit other nervous behavior including frequent looks at the surrounding area to scan for intruders or shuffling feet to continually readjust the mantling cover.
Homer, Alaska
 
03/18/2015