On March 2, 2024, I photographed two immature Bald Eagles perched on a dead limb next to each other at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. They both appear to be 2 1/2 years old but correct me if I am wrong about their age. I believe this is the first time I have seen young eagles perched so close to each other.
After some research, I discovered that there are several possible reasons why two immature bald eagles were perched close together on a limb:
- Sibling bond: At 2 1/2 years old, they are likely still siblings who haven’t fully dispersed from their natal territory. This is the most likely scenario, as siblings typically stay together longer than a year after fledging.
- Social interaction: While still possible, social interaction between non-siblings at this age is less common than with younger eagles. By 2 1/2, they are closer to reaching sexual maturity and may be starting to establish their own territories, reducing the need for social interaction outside their family group.
- Shared vantage point or resources: These reasons remain equally likely as age doesn’t necessarily affect the need for a good vantage point or sharing resources like sunlight or wind protection.
Therefore, considering their age, the most likely explanation is that the two eagles were siblings who were still together, possibly learning from each other or simply finding comfort in each other’s company.
I was also surprised that the dead limb they were perched on was holding up to the weight of the birds. I stuck around until the birds left, thinking that limb would break, but it didn’t.
Image Information:
- Date: 03/02/24
- Time: 6:55 AM
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- ISO: 2000
- Aperture: 7.1
- Shutter: 1/800
- Exp. Comp.: +0.3
- Lens (mm): 500
- Program Mode: Manual