HK and the return of Sterling: 11.18.15

It took a while, but the beautiful Sterling has returned to the area and has been seen in the company of handsome HK.
With the local temperature in the 70's, it was a great afternoon to go "eagling" in Virginia Beach.
As I drove down S. Independence Blvd., I could easily see 2 Bald Eagles in the original Osprey nest tower. As I got close and parked, it looked like HK and Sterling. And after sneaking a look at some photos, I was reasonably sure that it was. Sterling on the left.

HK left first, and I was able to snap a shot for his positive ID. Sterling stayed for 35 minutes, then she took flight. She sure looks great in the air!

I drove around for a bit, hoping to relocate at least one of them. Eventually, I did spot HK in the yard of a nice lady who I had visited before, who lives on the golf course. I was able to get a few quick photos of HK perched.

Then, true to form, HK took off! 

HK and a Eagle Youngster

I spent about 90 minutes tracking HK around the golf course today after being sick for over a week. I first found him in a familiar tree, yelling.

 The source of HK's displeasure was a Bald Eagle youngster, who left almost immediately.

HK took off also, but I was able to relocate him on the golf course. He posed nicely for some distant, portrait shots in fading light.

I left him there. Maybe he'll still be there the next time!

Just HK (with a bit of blood)

It took a while to locate HK this afternoon. Finally,  I just sat in the car on Ware Neck Drive where I could see down the North Landing River to a few of his favorite perches. I heard eagle chatter before I saw one. But, I made one out heading fast towards the original Osprey nest with the binoculars. So, pedal to the metal, I drove around the block to S. Independence. And, there was HK in the original Osprey nest. He seemed nervous and perhaps in a defensive posture. I drove up and stayed in the car so as not to spook him. It was GREAT to have a spot of blue sky!

HK looked back and forth and up and down. I took this next shot and realized as peeked at it (I usually don't do this, but I wanted to check my ISO setting) that he seemed to have blood on his head.

I couldn't tell if it was a gash or from a previous meal. But, then HK took off and flew down the driving range.

 I drove to the clubhouse to see if I could get a closer look at HK's head (I'm a wildlife rehabilitator, so I wanted to check him out). But, he was still too far away. This is a full frame shot.

I left after an hour and a half, with HK still perched in the same tree. Hope he is ok. Be healthy, HK.

HK and the sun is shining!

FINALLY a bright, sunny day. HK was perched on the outside of the original Osprey nest tower. I took a quick photo and moved to a parking lot where the lighting was a little better, even though a bit further away.

Just as I arrived at the new location, another photographer pulled up to where I had been, got out of his truck, and HK flew. I still managed a couple of flight photos from my SUV window.

 Blue sky and sunshine are a great combination!

HK and Sterling: Together Again

We had to cut our vacation short due to a possible hurricane, so before the weather changed dramatically, I headed out to check on things at Honey Bee. As I turned onto S. Independence, I could see HK in the original Osprey nest. As I pulled up, he promptly took off.

It was another 2 hours before I found him again AND.........HK was with Sterling (although I was unsure about that at the time)! Here, they look at each other.

And here, they look away and around.

HK suddenly dove down to the first fairway on the golf course, and I broke into a run.

I ran between a couple of trees to see if I could spot him, and twisted my knee in the process. HK had stolen something from a larger bird, maybe a gull, and was about ready to take off.

I got off a few shots. This was my favorite. I could not determine what the prey was. HK flew off and did not land back in the Osprey nest.

Now to determine if this was actually Sterling. I was pretty sure it was, based on several years of observing her. I just sat and waited for her to leave. And she did not disappoint.

There was her single, silver USGS band gleaming in the overcast conditions. Great to see you, my pretty!