05/26/2026
Head of Security
Cooper takes a break from hunting the river yesterday. He was cruising low to the river when he quickly rose up to this perch allowing me a few quick photos. He is one busy eagle right now having to supply most of the meals to three, now seven week old, eaglets. It was nice to see him take a break. He preened, and stretched for a half hour or so, then took flight to hunt for the next meal delivery.
I want you to notice how slender and short he is compared to Mary. He is built for speed and as I've said many times, has amazing in flight capabilities. Earlier yesterday morning I heard cries from the nest. I looked up to find a juvenile flying over. Seconds later, Cooper flew in and chased off the young intruder. It was a quick, very deliberate attack and that juvenile narrowly escaped Cooper's grasp.
This guy is an absolute killer and has proven to more than pull his weight for this bald eagle team. It's rare for me to get an opportunity to photograph him like this as the head of security doesn't sit still very long.
Image captured on the Susquehanna River here in Owego, NY.
Get outdoors, and as always, thanks for coming along!