A rare pose (Eagle)

As has been said, the behavior is related to drying out wings when wet and also related to warming up in colder climates. This image was taken when it was almost 30 below near Old Faithful ... during the first of many winter trips to YNP.

Dave

Did you happen to notice if there was a threat near? This bird was in the nest and sitting for more than a hour before a Redtail Hawk came overhead, she watched it the male flew to a neighboring tree and she went into this posture. I'm not sure but I believe it is a Warning posture. I've been wrong before but you had to be there.

hTr wrote in post #3086194
Thanks Maureen

I really appreciate you taking the time to Comment, That way I know someone is there.

I am always here. And always looking with deep admiration.

Maureen Souza wrote in post #3086239
I am always here. And always looking with deep admiration.

You Are Appreciated

hTr wrote in post #3086233
Dave

Did you happen to notice if there was a threat near? This bird was in the nest and sitting for more than a hour before a Redtail Hawk came overhead, she watched it the male flew to a neighboring tree and she went into this posture. I'm not sure but I believe it is a Warning posture. I've been wrong before but you had to be there.

In my case no threat, skies were clear out to forever and the eagle was the only living thing moving.

My Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior has no references to this behavior. I'll dig into it some more, however, the college orthinologist is away on a field trip and will not be back until mid-May.

Turbowolf wrote in post #3086272
In my case no threat, skies were clear out to forever and the eagle was the only living thing moving.

My Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior has no references to this behavior. I'll dig into it some more, however, the college orthinologist is away on a field trip and will not be back until mid-May.

Thanks Dave

I've watched this pair for over 4 months and this was the first display like this I've seen. The Puffing up and shaking is very normal and the Blowing up When a intruder is near is also normal. She held the half open spread for over 5 minutes and then went to this position for another 5 minutes. I watched today for 2.5 hours mostly to study the Eaglet 7 weeks old.

hTr wrote in post #3085772
I've got better GBH than him. LOL just kidding.

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Great image of a Heron with a fish. The only decent heron shot I have happens to document injuries a heron sustained when an eagle tried to predate the nest. In 2005 eagles decimated the heron rookery near the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge...

Just a couple In-flight

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Thats a beautiful picture.

Fabul;ous image Gary.

Theloneliest Monk wrote in post #3086424
Thats a beautiful picture.

Thank you very much Monk

Nice to hear from you

Airedale1 wrote in post #3086447
Fabul;ous image Gary.

Thanks Paul

I thought I had seen them all but this one was new in a Eagle.

Interesting behavioural shot Gary.

Stephen Stephen wrote in post #3086575
Interesting behavioural shot Gary.

Thanks Stephen

I'm hearing others have seen this posture before, but in 4 months of watching this is my first time.

Superb capture Gary, that is an awesome pose, and you captured the beauty and details of the Eagle perfectly. Very nicely done!