“HOME DEFENCE

Bald Eagle Pair and Canada Geese”

by Harvey Bodach

Original Painting, Acrylics on Masonite Board

24” x 48”

With Floating White Wood Frame

26” x 50”

Completion Year - 2024

(see Bald Eagle video below)

For Limited Time Only - No HST

News of nesting Bald Eagles along the shores of Lake Ontario and its interior keep increasing year by year. Around the waters of Southern Georgian Bay where my family lives there are similar stories, specifically along the Beaver River watershed. Here we have three generations firmly established and living year round.

Historically they were relatively common in southern Ontario, but this population was wiped out 60 years ago by an insecticide (DDT) farmers were using. It permeated the food chain and affected the quality of eggs laid. With the Bald Eagle being added to the “Endangered Species List” in 1967, the banning of DDT in 1972, and numerous rehabilitation programs, we are now seeing their numbers increasing in both Canada and the US.

My observations of the Beaver River pair started in the winter of 2021 as they were restoring their nest from the previous year. Eggs were laid, but soon after their efforts were abandoned as a result of Canada Geese having been given opportunities to enter the nest undeterred. As the eagles returned with the female in close pursuit, these two geese left with expressions of fear written on their faces. This story then became the inspiration and setting for the following painting.

The following year this pair made another attempt and were successful in raising one eaglet, then two more the next year. A changed behavior was observed as both took turns now on the nest - just like a palace with the changing of the guards. Then in 2025 there were two new eaglets in a new nest with both eagles providing closely monitored care. A real consistent behavioral change and a lesson learned from previous years.

(Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

This male Bald Eagle is feeding on fish from the Beaver River in Thornbury, Ontario. It is one of a pair that lives here year round and frequents the river to feed. As a landscape and wildlife artist I have been studying and painting them since 2022, finding new inspiration as I observe their various behaviors. Recorded on June 3, 2025, this is one of three videos which captured the eagle eating fish.

HIGHER RESOLUTION CLOSE-UPS OF PAINTING CAN BE SEEN AT BOTTOM OF PAGE

CLOSE-UPS

Original art is best seen in person. If that is not always possible, then four cropped close-ups set here in higher resolution of the original painting can help. Move from left side, clockwise, the white cropping marks indicate the area in the painting.

For cellphone users, please flip toward side view and zoom in.

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