To my delight the sky cleared this afternoon, and I was even more delighted when I heard a familiar sound in the neighborhood. I hurried to the window and, sure enough, the pileated woodpecker was in our backyard. It didn’t hang around for long, but before it swooped through the air to land on a tree farther away, I was able to grab my camera and get off a shot.
A visit from the big Woody Woodpecker look-alike is always a joy, and I thought to myself that I had my big bird photo opp for the day. But a little while later, Bob came home from his walk with Gulliver, rushed in the house, and announced, “Get your camera, and let’s go. The eagles are both at the nest.” So we took off for Bruce Yee Park, just a mile down the road from our backyard, where a pair of bald eagles have recently set up housekeeping. My longest lens really isn’t long enough to get great shots from much distance, but it was a delight to see this pair, Mama sitting on the nest and Papa standing guard in a nearby tree.
Our recent weather hasn’t been conducive to photowalking, and I haven’t added many shots to my trailwalking gallery nor posts to my blog, but this afternoon’s two unplanned and unexpected photoshoots …both without leaving the neighborhood, made up for my recent photographic dry spell. I couldn’t have asked for a better day!
SEEN ALONG THE TRAIL 
What a joy! Papa was so cooperative but he certainly earns the name of eagle eye. There is not much that escapes him. And I also like the woodpecker. Yes, a good day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Oneta. It was a great day, and I was happy to be able to share some pictures of these two big birds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those photos are beauties!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Laurie. I was holding my breath that he wouldn’t fly away before I got some photos. He didn’t!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great shots of the eagle couple! You are lucky to have them nesting so close. You’ll see baby eagles this summer 🐣
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re hoping for that. Yesterday Bob stopped for a look at them and watched the male fly in. Then it flew out right over his head. Exciting!
LikeLike
Stunning!! And to have an eagle just show up and hang out? Fantastic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You got that right, Terri. There are many rivers and, of course, Lake Erie in our area, so it’s a good place for the big birds. We’re hoping they’ll stay.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely shots! How fun to have the eagles nest so close!
LikeLike
Thank you. It has been fun. They have attracted quite a fan club. Fortunately the city has cleverly fenced off the ball field that they are nesting next to, and I’ve heard there are no plans for baseball games on the field this summer.
LikeLike
Fun day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loads of fun!
LikeLike
A banner day for the birds! We have a “woody woodpecker” who comes around now and then but pretty elusive for the camera but the eagles are gorgeous and to think they’ve set up a block away! Excellent!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re so close I could walk there! It is truly exciting.
LikeLike
A nice blessing indeed. I love these amazing birds and you got your shots of nicely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I was delighted to get a decent shot because I couldn’t get any closer to them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You did great. These are awesome.
LikeLiked by 1 person