Look at the white plumage on the shoulder of this Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). It was photographed in the late Spring on the Conservancy’s North Basin Reserve Area by Conservancy field staff.
The white spot on the shoulder is bilateral, and quite distinct.
The joke around the office is that this shoulder patch designates the highest possible rank among Bald eagles!
It is fairly rare that we see Bald eagles this far south and onto Conservancy preserves, and you’ll likely agree that it is also pretty rare to see one with this plumage distinction.
We’re happy it found us!
