Bald Eagle Count at Lake San Antonio

This would be an even earlier morning than before. The alarm screamed its wake up call at 5 A.M. My son Daniel and I would bundle ourselves in several layers of clothing. Packing our equipment into the car we headed out to pick up our friend Marlin. We drove for a good hour and 40 minutes once again leaving the clear skies of the coastline for a foggier inland lake. Conversation was good and we had high hopes of a successful venture looking for Bald eagles.

We arrived a little bit early in hopes of getting some birding in before the Eagle tour boat would leave. The fog left a lot to be desired. We did see Acorn Woodpeckers, Oak Titmouse, Ravens and near the waters edge, Yellow-billed Magpies. After a little bit of birding, we met the rest of the volunteers for the Eagle count at the visitors center where we partook of some hot coffee, hot chocolate and donuts. Then it was off to the tour boat “Eagle One” to begin the adventure.

Did I mention that we had bundled up with layers of clothing? We were thankful for long underwear, gloves and warm hats. To say it was cold would be an understatement. The cold penetrated any place that wasn’t insulated. Though I had new gloves that allowed me to pull back the covering of the index finger, they proved worthless in keeping out the cold. My son Daniel was fortunate; our friend Marlin, being an experienced photographer and birder had brought small chemical hand warmer packets of which he gave two to my son.

It wasn’t long into our journey before the action began. Someone on the boat called out that there was animal movement on the shoreline. Five or so coyotes were on the beach running about. I had never seen so many together at one time. There must have been something good to eat near the waters edge because close by we spotted our first Immature Bald Eagle. It sat in an oak tree near the waters edge. It was a good distance off and a difficult capture.

Shortly there after, we would have the best spot of the day. Two mature bald eagles sitting together on a branch. Unbelievable! They were close enough from the shore to be able to get a pretty sharp capture with a 500mm and a 1.4 teleconverter. The boat slowed down and we were given a great opportunity to view and capture these two from various angles. No longer cold from the fog, as our excitement from the sighting had warmed us all with anticipation.

All around the boat, Bonaparte’s gulls flew. Darting in and out skimming the surface of the water. Hard to capture bird in flight images. Marlin would masterfully capture one displaying the wingspan and markings across. Head black in breeding adults, white in winter with a dark spot behind the eye. These were in their winter plumage.

Again, excitement brings us back to the shore of the lake. This time two rather large feral pigs are rooting around. As if noticing our observations, they up and run into the oak forest that outlines the lakes southern edge. Our attention drawn to the shoreline gives us our first sighting of an immature Golden Eagle. Perched high in the tree, and difficult to make from the background, it can be distinguished by is trace of golden neck feathers and white tail band.

The sun began to break through the fog and our bodies warmed. A good distance on the northern shore we would be able to witness a large nest with two mature Bald Eagles tending it. Too far for a capture, it was good to see a nesting pair.

After several hours on the lake, it was time to head back to shore. Waiting for us was a warm BBQ with great food and companionship.

On the drive home as a good omen, we had a large Bobcat cross the road. We stopped to take photos but it was backlit and in thick grass. What the heck, sometimes you just have to take the shot even if you know it isn’t going to be a keeper. Sometimes it’s necessary to document the sighting. All in all, the day would bring us a count of five Bald Eagles, four mature adults and one immature and four golden eagles. Not bad for our first Bald Eagle count.

As we headed into the sunset, we dropped Marlin off at his house and thanked him immensely for the invitation, camaraderie, and experience. Tired from a day out on the lake. My son and I returned home to share our days adventure with the rest of our family, take a warm shower and enjoy a well heated home.