South Apopka Eagles

With Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive closed because of flooding, we decided to go see if the eagles at the South Apopka nest were home. To our delight, they both were there and did a few stick runs over the couple of hours we were there…

Sitting near the nest was one of the eagles watching as the sun came up

The first stick run had a lot of moss along with the stick

Coming in with another stick

Not sure which one was on the nest, but it was watching as the other was bringing home a stick

Soaring with another stick

Beginning to climb up to the nest with a stick

Getting closer to the nest tree

There are lots of branches and pine needles to hide behind right near the nest

Coming out of the woods with another stick

Taking a look at the stick its bringing back

Making a low pass around the field below the nest

After making a turn, a nice straight on view

Circling the nest with the stick

Making another turn as if the eagle wanted to make sure we all got a good shot

Looking right at me 

Making the final approach to the nest

Returning one more time from the nearby stick gathering spot

Bringing back a nice long stick this time

Scanning the area as the eagle returns with the stick

Climbing up towards the nest

Checking out the stick placement 

Hopping up out of the nest as the eagles settle in for the day

We had a great time not only watching the eagles, but seeing some of our birding friends that were there today. It’s still early in the new birding season, but it’s starting to look promising for the upcoming year.