On my second visit to the Lake Natoma Eagle’s nest, I documented the surrounding landscape so that you could better understand where the eagles are nesting. It included a finding different vantage point to view the nest.
I found a trailhead directly across the river from the bluff. From this angle you can clearly see how huge this nest really is and get a better idea of the size of the tree holding the nest. You can also see how well the eagles located their nest to be safe from predators especially humans.
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This entire area is part of the Folsom Lake State Recreational Area:
One of several entrances to the park. This entrance is to the boat and kayak launch area.
Here is a look at the bluff where the tree is located. It’s around 200 feet high. The trail to the nest runs on top.
Here is the bluff. The nest tree is the large tree on the far left. The pine on the far right is the lookout tree where the eagles perch to seek prey.
Closeup of the nest. White spots below the eagle are duck feathers. The eagles had caught and fed the duck the day before.
Here’s the views from the top of the bluff looking down on the lake and the city of Folsom.
Lake Natoma from the top of the bluff. Note the kayak on the river under the tree on the left.
Lake Natoma stretches towards the City of Folsom. The boat launch is the white line next to the lake to the left of the bridge.
You can see the oaks and meadows on top of the bluff. There are also several vernal pools hidden in the grasses. A number of wildflowers are still blooming.
Here’s the trail that passes next to the eagle’s nest. Note the fence at left marking the cliff’s edge and the neighborhood homes on the right.
But I came to see the Eagles and here they are:
Parent on the left and two babies on the right. One has his head up high; the other is in front of him with just his head and beak just above the rim.
Baby half hidden by pine needles next to tree trunk. Parent keeping guard.
While one parent kept watch at the nest, the other was out hunting from a nearby pine tree.
The perfect perch to seek prey.
Of course, I checked out the other birds in the area.
Acorn Woodpecker. There were at least a dozen flying around the oaks.
White Breasted Nuthatch
Western Kingbird
Western Bluebird
Not sure of this bird; maybe a Bushtit?
At the Lake Natoma Trailhead I also saw;
California Scrub Jay
House Finch
There were still quite a few wildflowers. But you can see the grass is starting to yellow. In a month it will be brown and dry.
Meadow full of sunflowers
Tiny blue-purple flowers lined the paths.
Classic orange California Poppies
Sky Lupine
Clover
Yarrow
A big patch of purple flowers
A White flower that looks bells before opening up
Pretty purple flowers with butterfly
We are headed for cooler weather later this week. Temps are expected to be in the 70s with a chance of rain on Friday.
What’s up in your neck of the woods?
