It is almost nesting time for the Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Last Friday I spotted two eagles perched in the trees adjacent to the very large nest that has hosted numerous eagle couples over the years.
Later that same day I passed by the nest again and an eagle was sitting in the nest. I captured the second image when the eagle unexpectedly took off from the nest. I like the way that I captured the action,although I would have preferred not to have clipped the eagle’s wing as it extended it upwards to generate lift for its takeoff.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
They are majestic. Thank you for sharing. Happ New Year Mike.
I noticed that the nest in large sycamore or cottonwood tree that I view thru my field scope is gone. Do u know wat happened to it?
Kim C
I noticed the same thing when I walked by the tree last week. A few years ago part of the nest fell when a supporting branch seemed to give way. Perhaps that happened again.