"Mama" the Bald Eagle waiting patiently for "Papa" to return
Mama and Papa
The Bald Eagles of Lake Natoma, affectionately known as "Mama" and "Papa" lost their nest to a storm in January, which toppled the tree where they have raised over 20 eaglets since 2017. With hard work and diligence, these beautiful birds built a new nest in a tree about 1,000 feet away from the old location. Amazing!
"Papa" the Bald Eagle in flight over Snowberry Creek Trail
My adventure at Lake Natoma
Bald Eagles are amazing! When I read about the pair that had lost their nest in January of this year due to a storm, I had to check it out. So, last Monday I hopped in my Jeep and headed to Folsom. I have driven along the American River before, but I have never really stopped along the way. Wow, I am so glad that I did!
Not only did I have a great adventure finding and then photographing "Mama" and "Papa," but there were a variety of other birds as well. For example, I spotted Bewick's Wrens, Red-tailed Hawks, Wild Turkeys, Acorn Woodpeckers, Great Cormorants, Great Blue Herons and American Robins. There were also kettles of Turkey Vultures soaring the skies and an Anna's Hummingbird on the Johnny Cash Trail.
Another amazing sight was watching the hundreds of Pipevine Swallowtail Butterflies pollinating flowers along the way... beautiful! I had such a great time, I'm already planning another trip in a few weeks. Hopefully, there will be eaglets in the nest. That would be awesome!
A story of resilience
It is amazing to hear the stories from locals about how hard these eagles worked to carry big branches from around the area in order to build their new nest. "Mama" and "Papa" are a big part of this community and the locals enjoy overseeing and protecting them. It's an amazing thing to experience!
For more information, go to:
Capturing Beauty: Birds of Lake Natoma and Nimbus Dam
Wild Turkeys with their tails in full bloom strut their stuff to attract hens
Bewick's Wren perched on a post at Nimbus Dam
"Papa" the Bald Eagle in flight over the Snowberry Creek Trail
Pipevine Swallowtail pollinating flowers on the the Snowberry Creek Trail
Acorn Woodpecker perched on top of a utility pole on the Johnny Cash Trail
Great Blue Heron in flight at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery