After finishing work at my downtown Orlando office on Wednesday, December 6, I decided to drop by nearby Lake Davis on my way home.
The sun was starting to set, but I was hoping I might see some new ducks at Lake Davis, which is where I have photographed Wood Ducks and other water fowl before. I didn’t expect to see to see two Bald Eagles.
As I was getting ready to photograph some Mallards, an adult male Bald Eagle swooped in to do some hunting. The ducks scattered as the eagle splashed down in the water to try to grab a fish.
Then, suddenly, a second Bald Eagle appeared. This one looked to be a juvenile female. Based on its markings, it appeared to be about 2 years old.
Bald Eagles can get very territorial, especially when they decide that younger eagles are invading their space. So, these two big birds engaged in an epic airborne battle over the lake, with the setting sun backlighting their beautiful feathers at times as they grabbed each others’ talons.
I just keep snapping away with my camera while marveling at their battle as they circled the lake and flew high and low. Finally, the younger eagle got the message and left, followed soon by the adult eagle.
But, wow, what a way to end a work day!
