This is a photo of a bald eagle within the city limits of Salem, Oregon. There are two nests in Minto-Brown Island Park, but this one was several miles/km away. Sometimes, it is best to just keep your eyes open and you never know what you will see.
Based on the colors of the plumage, this one is approximately 4.5 years old. Young bald eagles are a dark brownish color with flecks. The typical dark body, white head and tail fully are acquired by 5.5 years of age.
While it looks like it is coming in for a landing, it is actually jumping up from the post and starting to fly away. It patiently sat there, while I was in my car shooting dozens of photos over ten minutes, before heading off to another location.
