Young Ornate Hawk-Eagle

After a few wonderful days of a "cat blog-fest," with the Chan Chich pumas, it's time to get back to the Ornate Hawk-Eagles again. This excellent photo, contributed by Lodge guest Frank Buck, shows a young ornate still in juvenile plumage. As you can see, its signature crest is already fully developed. The young will attain full adult plumage by its third year: its head will become rufus and it will develop complete barring along the belly and legs.

Love the intense golden stare of this very impressive bird!