"Papa" the Bald Eagle in flight at Lake Natoma in Folsom
The Bald Eagles of Lake Natoma in Folsom, California. An amazing sight!
One of the most amazing things I have ever seen in my life is when I spotted "Papa" the Bald Eagle flying directly over my head on a section of trail above Lake Natoma. I was in awe of the size and grace of this bird, in fact I was so mesmerized by watching him fly I almost forgot that I had a camera in my hand. Luckily, I snapped out of my stupor just in time to take a few pictures of this beautiful bird in flight.
This was my first trip to Folsom and I can't wait to go back. Not only did I get to photograph a variety of birds, including Bald Eagles, wild turkeys, ducks, herons, hawks and wrens, I also met some of the nicest people in the world while hiking the trails around Lake Natoma and Nimbus Dam. They made me feel right at home. Now, I understand why this pair of Bald Eagles, affectionately known as "Mama" and "Papa" have been nesting in this area, raising eaglets since 2017. It's home...
(Photos by Tim Seay)
A story of resilience
A pair of bald eagles, known as "Mama and Papa," are nesting in a new location on the bluffs above Lake Natoma in Folsom, CA, after a January 2026 storm destroyed their longtime nest.
For more information, go to the FOLFAN (Friends of Lakes Folsom and Natoma) website: https://folfan.org/bald-eagle-interpretive-program/ If you visit the nesting area, please be respectful of all signs and rules to ensure the safety of these beautiful birds. Thank you.
Memories Preserved: Lake Natoma in Folsom, California (March 9-10, 2026)
The Bald Eagle affectionately known as "Mama" patiently waits for her mate, affectionately known as "Papa" to return to their new nest.
Wild Turkeys in "full bloom" displaying vibrant plumage to attract hens. There was a "rafter" of about 30 in a lush, green meadow just off the Snowberry Creek Trail... so cool!
Acorn Woodpecker perched on a utility pole on the Johnny Cash Trail. They have no fear of high voltage lines. Oh, by the way... the Johnny Cash Trail, coolest name for a trail ever :)
A couple of male mallard ducks, called "drakes" paddle on the American River next to the Nimbus Dam. Their vibrant colors were in full display
Bewick's Wren (Pronounced like Buick) perched on a post at Nimbus Dam. I tried photographing him darting in and out of trees for 20 minutes. Never got a good shot, then low and behold, he landed right in front of me :)
Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly pollinating fiddleneck flowers on the Snowberry Trail. There were thousands of them along the trails around the Folsom area... beautiful.