Dear Bob,
There is apparently a credible report of a White-tailed Eagle from
Massachusetts per the National Geographic Guide, 6th Ed., p. 132. However,
this species doesn't appear on the Massachusetts checklist at this time. See
https://maavianrecords.com/official-state-list/. I also have a little ;
experience with this species as well, having seen it on the Isle of Skye in
Scotland in 2019. Lars' post mentions that there was absolutely no white in
the tail. I would think that this fact would eliminate the possibility that
this was a juvenile White-tailed Eagle.
Sincerely,
Tim Janzen
On 12/21/2021 11:40 PM Robert O'Brien <baro@xxxxxxx> wrote:
Lars' Incredible Eagle.
Lars richly deserves this after his many, many years devoted to Oregon
Birding.
He observed what most (especially including me) would pass off as 'just
another' Bald Eagle, in its normal shoreline habitat, at a great distance.
At Hood River
Still, he went to great lengths, with a camera view though a telescope,
to photograph it.
He was successful.
So, the question, was, is this a Bald or a Golden Eagle. (Since it
didn't look like either)..
Now I have some experience with this eagle, long, long ago, in Japan. So
I recognized the possibilities pretty soon. It didn't look like BAEA or GOEA
There were no responses so far to his photo, likely due to the CBC Season
in High Application.
I'm going out on a limb a little, myself, in proposing: White-tailed
Eagle. See below.
As for eBird, not accounting the long-ago residency on Attu, this would
be the first record for the lower 48. There is one for Kodiak IS, Alaska,
and one for eastern Canada.
Further documentation is, of course, essential. Any sort of flight shot
would greatly help as this eagle has an amazingly and distinctively short
tail.
Some key features (not necessarily definitive) in Lars' photo. Apparent
'white eye ring'; Large whitish area below the bill/eye, strangely mottled
breast, relatively small, but strongly hooked bill with darker tip. I don't
know what to make of the 'white' legs/feet, (perhaps staining?).
Hoping I'm correct and greatly in awe,
Bob OBrien Carver OR
https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/213195631?_gl=1*1fghl84*_ga*MTMwMDUxMjIxOC4xNjQwMTUzMDI1*_ga_QR4NVXZ8BM*MTY0MDE1MzAzOC4xLjEuMTY0MDE1NTkwMy42MA..#_ga=2.146731313.421433067.1640153025-1300512218.1640153025
