ML642922172

Observation details

Large, dark brown raptor with noticeably shorter head projection and longer tail projection (when compared to superficially similar immature Bald Eagle), obvious banding on tail (dark with white base), and distinctive white wing patches at the base of the primaries. Golden nape evident at some angles. First noticed around 1256 with a group of three Turkey Vultures circling overhead. To be candid, the first possibility that came to mind after noticing this raptor's overall dark appearance and dark and white tail banding was a much rarer Zone-tailed Hawk; I didn't immediately consider Golden Eagle in this context, especially on an unusually warm early October day. After some better views, I realized we were looking at an eagle and not a vagrant buteo from the Southwest (albeit one with some history of fall vagrancy in the Northeast). Structural and plumage details used to separate this individual from more common Bald Eagle noted above (plumage details not always visible in poor documentation photos). The Turkey Vultures kept going but the Golden Eagle hung around over Stanton Pond for a bit, only to be constantly harassed midair for the rest of its time overhead by three Bald Eagles (two adults and one subadult). An exciting show and a good opportunity to observe the differences between our two expected eagle species, but eventually the Golden Eagle got tired of the bullying and fled west away from the pond.