These SoWal locals on Seagrove Beach are both American Bald Eagles. The top bird has juvenile camouflage and is probably about 3 years old. Male and female adults look identical but females are about 1/3 larger than males. It's likely this is a father and daughter.
They were feeding on a pelican carcass. Any smaller prey they probably would have taken back to the nest. Eagles eat a lot of dead animals. As fierce as they are, it's hard for them to pass up a free meal, just like many other birds of prey. Although you can be sure here in SoWal they eat a lot of fresh fish as well.
When I first came upon the scene, the young eagle was feeding, then the adult swooped in and took over as the offspring flew around and then landed and watched from a distance. Then as I moved closer the adult flew off and the youngster got her turn again.
They were feeding on a pelican carcass. Any smaller prey they probably would have taken back to the nest. Eagles eat a lot of dead animals. As fierce as they are, it's hard for them to pass up a free meal, just like many other birds of prey. Although you can be sure here in SoWal they eat a lot of fresh fish as well.
When I first came upon the scene, the young eagle was feeding, then the adult swooped in and took over as the offspring flew around and then landed and watched from a distance. Then as I moved closer the adult flew off and the youngster got her turn again.