Haast's Eagle or Pouakai

With a wingspan of between 2 and 3 metres, and weighing up to 13 kilograms the Haast’s eagle is the largest eagle ever to have existed in the world. It is thought to have been heavier in relation to wing size than any of the eagles alive today. From its skeleton it appears related to the the Little Eagle of Australia (Hieraaetus morphnoides), and there is evidence that its wings were comparitively short and its legs stronger than those of other eagles.The size and strength of its legs and talons indicate that it was an effective and active predator, able to kill very large prey.




 

There were 4 bald eagles above the dealership this past Saturday morning.  Good omen.

Massachusetts got low on wild turkeys so 15 years ago or so they established two breeding farms and have been restocking the state.  I've had to stop while 15 or 20 turkeys meander across the road... single file.  One of the places that's lousy with turkeys is Cape Cod because of being too populated to hunt very much of it, and after they cut the shipping canal through it's really an island connected by two busy bridges.
That means limited access for predators. Pets and cars take a toll and there are some predators but it's not unusual to see small flocks every day.
Anyway, this girls neighbor has a peacock, and by the looks of one of the turkeys passing through her yard, "who's your daddy" would be appropriate.

 

If I were a Magpie I'd give him a tumble...

Dat eye, tho!

What a gorgeous bird.

Have you seen a Capercaillie?



 

It's interesting how much his display resembles a tom turkey.

An owl's nest,  doesn't get more badass than that...

Badass and likely stinky, too.  Good thing owls have a poorly developed sense of smell.

That's a grim one.

Turkey, my guess.