Other than the destruction of a fish here and there, I try to post the pleasant side of nature.  Of course, we all know survival in nature isn't pleasant. 

Recently, I visited an active Bald Eagle nest containing one eaglet.  I watched for a couple hours, then the mate finally arrived.  In its talons was a Canada Goose gosling.  I was a little bothered while processing the image on the computer.  I suppose if it were a fish I would feel differently, but my first impression was "how cruel". 

There is an estimated 10,000 nesting pairs of Bald Eagles in this country today.  They are all feeding their young, and themselves, in this manner.  It's sad, it's cruel, it's nature and the fact is, what may be cruel to me, is necessary for their survival.

Bald Eagle

Male Bald Eagle Bringing In A Meal

The eaglet is still pretty small and raised above the edge of the nest briefly.  I wasn't able to photograph the eaglet on this day.  Mom, however, didn't waste any time feeding her little one.

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle Pair On Active Nest

Shortly after arriving with a meal, dad leaves the nest once again.

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle Pair

I returned two weeks later and found the eaglet spending more time looking above the nest.  Boy, they grow fast!  Although the nest was backlit by the late afternoon sun making it difficult to get a sharp image, I had to share anyway.

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle (mom) And Eaglet

I visited again the next morning to find the nest showered in brilliant sunshine.  I watched the nest for about an hour with no sign of the mate.  It takes patience and time to capture wildlife action.  Time is one thing I didn't have that day so this was the only image to share. 

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle Guarding the Nest

Thanks for looking,

Dan