Saturday 3/3/12...
We're getting close to hatching time folks! We're estimating the earliest hatch date could be Friday 3/9-less than a week away!!!
We're sure going to miss seeing our bobbleheads this season, but we will get to meet them once they get big enough to peek over the nest!

I arrived down near Bluff Branch around 9:00 a.m. and found Patriot proudly perched. He didn't stay long, headed out over the river for a bit and then toward the nest...

I just missed the switch at 9:10 am, but found lovely lady Liberty on the Christmas Tree. She stayed perched atop that tree for 2 hours!!!

A few more shots of the beautiful Liberty showing off her right wing and her amazing balance!

Liberty finally did take off around 11:00 am and headed across the bridge and over the river looking for a fish. It wasn't long before she had one dangling from her talons!!! They make it look sooooo easy, don't they?!? Then she flew over to Private Perch and made quick work of that fish!

I am currently taking a photography course where I'm trying to learn how to work my SLR camera, so unfortunately some of my shots are a bit blurry. But, you can see the fish dangling so I had to include it!

Meanwhile, Patriot waited patiently in the nest for his mate to finish her break and her meal...


But, Liberty finally headed back to the nest where she waited for Patriot to get up and at 'em. I love the way she looks down at him as if to say, "Well, are you getting up or not?!?"

And a few last shots of the pair as they completed the switch. It was such a gorgeous day and I was thrilled to be able to capture so much activity this morning!

Here's my shots of Patriot on the Family Tree today!~

The first one Patriot picking at his talons.


I did not realize how far around an eagle can turn their head!


Just a nice zoomed in shot of Patriot. I'm surprised this one came out this well, I was using the digital zoom, which normally doesn't look that good, plus I did not have a tripod!


Enjoy!!