Viurre Posted September 13, 2021 Share Posted September 13, 2021 (edited) Merlin says this is a Golden Eagle. I want to be sure before I report it. It would be a lifer if it is one. SW PA, Today. Edited September 13, 2021 by Viurre Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connor Cochrane Posted September 13, 2021 Share Posted September 13, 2021 Unfortunately it's just a Bald Eagle. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiscalus quiscula Posted September 13, 2021 Share Posted September 13, 2021 Just now, Connor Cochrane said: Unfortunately it's just a Bald Eagle. I agree. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viurre Posted September 13, 2021 Author Share Posted September 13, 2021 Differences so I know in the future? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peromyscus Posted September 13, 2021 Share Posted September 13, 2021 This could help: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden_Eagle/species-compare/60329001 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bird Nuts Posted September 13, 2021 Share Posted September 13, 2021 Beside differences in shape and bill size, which even I often find hard to judge, the golden nape and leading edge of the wings would be visible on a Golden of any age at this angle. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viurre Posted September 13, 2021 Author Share Posted September 13, 2021 (edited) That did not help, the website. I cannot tell the difference between a juvenile bald eagle and a golden eagle, other than there is supposed to be some splotchy white on the juvenile bald eagle, and there isn't really white on the photo I have above. Or in the other photos I have. Edited September 13, 2021 by Viurre 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viurre Posted September 13, 2021 Author Share Posted September 13, 2021 What do you mean by the leading edge of the wing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meghann Posted September 13, 2021 Share Posted September 13, 2021 The bill would be smaller on a golden, and they have a gold nape. Honking big beak on this bird = bald. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bird Nuts Posted September 13, 2021 Share Posted September 13, 2021 1 minute ago, Viurre said: What do you mean by the leading edge of the wing? The front edge of the wings between the neck and the wrist. It shines bright in the sunlight on a Golden. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viurre Posted September 13, 2021 Author Share Posted September 13, 2021 Is Merlin wrong a lot? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avery Posted September 13, 2021 Share Posted September 13, 2021 12 minutes ago, Viurre said: Is Merlin wrong a lot? Yes and no. It is usually at least close. Any app that identifies things for you should be used as a secondary source, or a way to point you in the right direction for ID in my opinion. 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chipperatl Posted September 13, 2021 Share Posted September 13, 2021 This is the best resource I have found for distinguishing the difference in juvenile Bald/Golden Eagle. One thing to notice is the entire shape of the wing. Bald Eagle gets described as a 2x8 pieces of wood. It is almost straight from tip to body like a board. Golden Eagle has more of a Red-tailed Hawk type shape to it, with the secondaries bulging out some. http://archive.hancockwildlife.org/forum/viewtopic.php?showtopic=132018 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulK Posted September 13, 2021 Share Posted September 13, 2021 (edited) I think Tony said that the white in the armpits are distinctive for young Bald. Edited September 13, 2021 by PaulK 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liam Posted September 13, 2021 Share Posted September 13, 2021 Definitely not a Merlin. 😝 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avery Posted September 13, 2021 Share Posted September 13, 2021 14 hours ago, PaulK said: I think Tony said that the white in the armpits are distinctive for young Bald. That they are! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Spencer Posted September 13, 2021 Share Posted September 13, 2021 I keep reading the title to this discussion, looking at the photos, and wondering how anyone could ID this bird as a Merlin! Then I realize ... 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulK Posted September 13, 2021 Share Posted September 13, 2021 1 hour ago, Charlie Spencer said: I keep reading the title to this discussion, looking at the photos, and wondering how anyone could ID this bird as a Merlin! Then I realize ... I did the same! 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peromyscus Posted September 13, 2021 Share Posted September 13, 2021 1 hour ago, PaulK said: I did the same! Me too! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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