Eagle Watch On Kiawah Island ~ The next generation!
There is something mesmerizing about an eagle’s nest. Not only are they massive in size, usually between 5 to 6 feet (or more), but they are also built on some of the tallest trees (65-200 ft tall). Nests can take up to 3 months to build. Pairs of eagles tend to return to the same nest every year, adding to the size of the nest each year. Eagles can live up to 30 years so it is not surprising that the largest known eagles nest was 9.5 feet wide and 20 feet deep!
It is always a thrill when avid bird watchers, like myself, see a pair of eagles return to their nest. This spring, I was dropping off a commissioned Great Blue Heron painting at a home in Kiawah Island, SC, when my clients told me about a local eagle’s nest nearby. Their daily walk takes them right past the nest and they had been enjoying watching all of the activity in the nest.
Two juveniles had been spotted down low in the nest and the parents were busy tending the little ones. I was excited to see the nest, so off we went, my client leading the way.
My mind instantly went to how enjoyable it would be to paint such a majestic scene. Even though the nest was way up high, there was a grassy knoll that allowed me to gain some height when photographing the nest. My client expressed interest in a painting of their Kiawah eagles if I could capture them on or around the nest.
I spent two days watching all of the eagle activity. Most of the time there would only be one eagle tending the nest. Passersby informed me that it appeared the nest only had one juvenile remaining in the nest. Many times only the strong sibling will survive, as was the case this time. :(
My goal was to photograph the nest with both parents either on it or nearby, and to have the juvenile poking his head up or better yet stretching his wings. I also was hoping for good lighting as all of the greenery of the pine needles blocked much of the light and made for difficult long distant shots.
My patience paid off and I ended up with a nice variety of images to choose from. I was commissioned to paint Eagle Watch On Kiawah Island from one of my images that they chose. I titled it that because both parents are on alert, watching over junior as he stands up in the nest and stretches his wings as if to fly. Also, most of the birders on Kiawah Island were on “eagle watch” along with myself, fascinated to watch the progression of the young eagle. Usually it is only 10 to 14 weeks until the juvenile is fledging and leaving the nest for the first time.
Eagle Watch on Kiawah Island by William R. Beebe, 24 x 36 Oil on canvas, commissioned
I was amazed at the size of the juvenile when it stood up in the nest. It was only going to be another week or two before it fledged. Eagles like to make their nests in areas that have a good food supply. Obviously, junior had been eating well! With all of the water surrounding Kiawah Island there is no shortage of fish.
Juvenile Eagle strengthening his wings!
Adult Eagle watching over the nest!
Close-up of the nest and pine needles.
I understand that junior is still in the area and returns to the nest occasionally along with his parents.
I loved painting this scene. I’ve always been awe inspired by eagles. I love photographing them whenever I get a chance. I thank my clients for giving me this wonderful opportunity to paint this scene and I look forward to painting more portraits of our national bird whenever I get the chance!
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“One of the joys of being an artist is having the freedom to follow my passion….”
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Drawing by William R. Beebe