The Eagle Has Landed

Well, what I mean is that I am back from my hiatus in me ol' stompin' grounds and now have a reliable internet connection.

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I'm not one for posting pictures on the blog, especially when they have nothing to do with pharmacology. However, these should at least be of interest to fellow bloggers, Shelley and GrrlScientist. Plus, these are at least related to biology and science: I'm excited to note that during my travels, I came upon a nest of a southern bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus) family. The photos don't do it justice but this was the closest I could get without being in violation of the Eagle Technical Advisory Committee.

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From what I understand, the eagle pair has inhabited this nest for five years and has given birth to one or two offspring for each of the last four years. While I did not witness and feedings, several other observers told me that they watched the mother bringing back food for at least one baby. Until I started reading about these magnificent creatures, I was unaware of this little-known fact: Florida is home to 85 percent of the US population of the southern bald eagle.

i-3bf0ba51068c436c0d649dfd6fd01ff0-gators_1_275.jpgWith Christmas soon to be upon us, blogging will continue to be light but I hope to return to some health-related content in the next few days. Regardless of what holiday you are celebrating this time of year, I wish you all the best for safe travels and great fun with family and friends.

More like this

No time for anything new (err, just a tad busy at the moment), so here's something else from the Tet Zoo archives. This article originally appeared on ver 1 in April 2006 and appears here in slightly modified form.
Last night Julia sent me a link to a video of a Golden Eagle swooping down into a Montreal park, picking up an infant/toddler and lifting it several feet into the air before dropping it and flying off.
tags: Bald Eagle, White-headed Sea Eagle,

Great picture Abel. Growing up in central Florida, eagle nests on the tops of power line towers were common sights. Hope you had a happy holidays with your family. :)