I saw this juvenile Bald Eagle pair in Fern Ridge Wildlife Area. I was surprised to learn that they don't attain adult plumage till they reach five years. (See link to All About Birds below.)


"Cool Fact" from 'All About Birds':

"Immature Bald Eagles spend the first four years of their lives in nomadic exploration of vast territories and can fly hundreds of miles per day. Some young birds from Florida have wandered north as far as Michigan, and birds from California have reached Alaska."

"Adult Bald Eagles have white heads and tails with dark brown bodies and wings. Their legs and bills are bright yellow. Immature birds have mostly dark heads and tails; their brown wings and bodies are mottled with white in varying amounts. Young birds attain adult plumage in about five years." - http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/overview