Kate Bloch wrote, "Yesterday morning, my husband noticed a small crowd gathering near the post office and learned that a Bald Eagle was perched in the trees nearby.  When I first observed the lone eagle, it was largely a silhouette, shrouded in fog, high in a tree.  Shortly thereafter, it flew north, and a second eagle appeared to join it.  Both then landed in a tall tree covered in lichen. Neil and Susan Silverman also spied the eagles, and we enjoyed an extended sighting opportunity as we watched the eagles interact and become the subjects of a vigorous confrontation with a peregrine falcon.  It felt like such a gift to observe and listen to the remarkable avian life around us!"

Kate's photo shows the Peregrine approaching. On the left is a younger Bald Eagle, perhaps 3 1/2 years old. The Bald Eagle on the right is an adult, and I believe she is the Gualala River Bald Eagle.

In this next photo, the two Eagles aren't very happy!

I wondered why the Falcon was trying to drive off the Bald Eagles, especially because this isn’t yet nesting season. I learned that it could be due to intense territoriality, or protecting valuable winter food/roosting spots. Or maybe that smaller Falcon just doesn’t like Bald Eagles! I'll share one of Susan and Neil's photos next.

Thanks to Kate for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

We survived another vigorous storm last night. Rain totals since Dec. 19th are 10.10 inches. Some seasonal creeks are now making beautiful waterfalls as they cascade off of bluffs. After the showers of this afternoon, we have clear weather for five days or so.