Golden Eagle or Juvenile Bald Eagle - Maryland, USA (1 Viewer)

[paul_soda]

Hi,

Not sure if the bird I saw was a juvenile bald or a golden. At first I thought golden as they seemed to have extensive brown and not much white besides the chest, the lighter coverts framing the chest, as well as extensive yellow on the base of the beak. Now, though, after looking through photos of both online I am wondering if I am mistaken, or if there is a way to tell based on the unfortunately terrible photos I have.

Thanks!

 

[Butty]

Very deep bill + irregularly-blotchy plumage = bald eagle.

 

[KC Foggin]

I'm not sure but I'll go with Butty on this as usual

 

[paul_soda]

I thought maybe, but through the binocs they had a similar appearance to this one? Esp with the long feathered lighter legs. But I know that's probably still wishful thinking given the beak issue 😅

 

[THE_FERN]

The original photos are immature bald eagle for the reasons Butty said

 

[paul_soda]

Thank you all, I appreciate it!! Glad I took the time to ask before posting the bird with my wishful thinking.

 

[AveryBartels]

Something to keep in mind is that the feathering around the base of the legs often covers the majority/all of the tarsi and this regularly confuses birders into thinking that the raptor in question ("Golden" Eagle, "Rough-legged"Hawk etc.) has feathered tarsi.