ID Challenge: Which Eagle?

The "Nunn Guy"

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Jul 13, 2020, 3:45:27 PM7/13/20

to Colorado Birds

Hi all

Photoed this handsome and cooperative eagle in Weld County over the weekend. Thought it would offer a lively discussion for "which eagle and why?"

Three photos here: http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org

Thanks Gary Lefko, Nunn

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/birds-and-more-of-the-pawnee-national-grassland

John Ealy

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Jul 13, 2020, 5:24:17 PM7/13/20

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I'm guessing 2- to 3-year-old bald eagle based on the ventral view of white tail with narrow dark outer edge and irregular dark band on tail tip. Bird also has white and dark streaks on the neck area. Cere appears to be partially yellow. Large bill. Dark eye. Sure has a full crop.

John Ealy

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Jul 13, 2020, 5:25:16 PM7/13/20

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Aack. Neglected to sign off.

John Ealy

Roxborough Park, Douglas County, CO

Beverly Head

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Jul 13, 2020, 9:24:06 PM7/13/20

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I am guessing that it's a young bald eagle. Partly because of the white part in the tail, but still mostly dark in the rest of its body, with the exception of some white spots in the chest.

Rick Reeser

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Jul 14, 2020, 8:53:46 AM7/14/20

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Sibley's Guide has a good drawing of a 2nd year bald eagle, showing the light dark band on the end of the tail and the white on the front. That is clearly showing on photos 23 & 24.

Rick Reeser, Greeley

On Monday, July 13, 2020 at 1:45:27 PM UTC-6, The "Nunn Guy" wrote:

Michael T

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Jul 15, 2020, 11:59:36 AM7/15/20

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Hatch year recently fledged Bald Eagle. Fairly uniform dark coloration. A second year bird would have worn more variation on the chest.Eye color is a consistent dark color. Feathers on the head a uniform in color.

Michael Tincher

Loveland,CO

On Monday, July 13, 2020 at 1:45:27 PM UTC-6, The "Nunn Guy" wrote:

Joe Roller

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Jul 15, 2020, 12:02:15 PM7/15/20

to Michael T, Gary Lefko, Colorado Birds

Gary,

All you asked for was the species of eagle, so I'd say the large bill

is "all Bald Eagle" and never mind the plumage.

Joe Roller, Denver

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Michael T

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Jul 15, 2020, 12:14:50 PM7/15/20

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More importantly, the pictures that you posted say "Bald eagle". :-)

The "Nunn Guy"

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Jul 15, 2020, 1:42:32 PM7/15/20

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Hi all

Thanks for playing all ... indeed Bald Eagle (identified as such on photos, too). I certainly picked up some new tips hope others did as well.

Thanks Gary Lefko, Nunn

http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/birds-and-more-of-the-pawnee-national-grassland

raptoresse

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Jul 16, 2020, 11:46:06 PM7/16/20

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Yep, I concur with Michael for all of the reasons mentioned. No yellow in cere; it's in the gape. Fresh, dark plumage, not yet faded in the Colorado sun.