Eagles of many ages

There were several young visitors to Harriet and M15's nest at SWFL eagle cam yesterday, which makes for a nice opportunity to observe the different plumages Bald Eagles go through as they mature.

A subadult Bald Eagle lands on the "outer attic" branch in the afternoon.

This beautiful, young eagle is about 4-4½ years old. Bald Eagles gain their recognizable fully white head and tail at 5 years old, and the change from fully dark juveniles like this year's E15 and E16 is gradual. Bald Eagles reach sexual maturity at 4-5 years old, so this eagle could perhaps be looking for a mate already, or soon, but their visit to this territory seems to have been in search for free food in the form of leftovers in the nest.

Bone Appetit!

Not long after, a juvenile Bald Eagle also lands in the nest tree. First the outer attic, where they perch for a bit observing the subadult, then the closer veranda branch, and finally the nest.

The two intruders don't want to share their stolen snack, but it's more of an argument than a fight. The subadult flies away, and the juvie picks up poking about the nest from where they left off.

Not E15 making a comeback; this juvie is from the previous year. If they're one of Harriet and M's offspring, they would be E12 or E13, but this can just as well be a completely unrelated eagle, and there's no way to tell as the eagles at this nest are not banded (except for E8, who was banded during their stay at wildlife rehabilitation, when an owl attack soon after fledging left them injured - but E8 made a full recovery and was released). Even if they are one of this nest's past chicks, though, this isn't their home anymore, and sure enough, Harriet the resident female soon arrives to drive the youngster away.

She gives a warning first, but when it's not heeded, she makes a lunge towards the juvie, scaring them into flying away.

It may be garbage leftovers but it's her garbage leftovers!

And a glamour shot of the adult eagles, too. M15 (10 years old) on the outer attic branch at the back, and Harriet (exact age unknown, but estimated to be in her 20's) on the attic branch at the front. Yes, she's over 10 years older than him! You wouldn't know by looking at them, as Bald Eagles' plumage stops changing at 5 years old, though they still moult each year. Harriet is at a very respectable age for a wild eagle, and her fierce nature has surely helped her get to that age, so it's a good thing she seems to be passing that to her offspring. The eaglets' sibling rivalry is not always fun to watch, and chasing away hungry, young eagles isn't very hospitable of her, but in the eagle world being a bit mean is a virtue.

But the visits aren't over! Harriet and M's evening at the pasture pond is crashed by another subadult joining them for drinks.

This subadult is a bit younger, about 3-3½ years old.

Two of the uninvited guests end up staying the night. Harriet and M are at the attic, one of the subadults is directly above them, and the juvie is at the same height on the right. They can have a bed, but probably no breakfast.