I was able to spend some time in Magnolia River on Christmas Eve. The river flows into Weeks Bay and Mobile Bay. Magnolia River is a great place for  speckled trout in the Winter but the water was a bit muddy after two days of steady rain. I only caught two trout but the wildlife were active on the river and I was able to get some wildlife photography. 

Magnolia River Great Blue HeronA great blue heron in Magnolia River

This was a promising sight with a great blue heron looking for fish along the bank. 

Magnolia River Great Blue HeronA great blue heron in Magnolia River

A very common sight in Magnolia River are turkey vultures. 

Magnolia River Turkey VultureA turkey vulture in Magnolia River

At this time I caught my first speckled trout. It was a quick catch and release so I didn't measure it. I estimate it was around 15".

Magnolia River Speckled TroutA speckled trout in Magnolia River Magnolia River Speckled TroutA speckled trout in Magnolia River Magnolia River Speckled TroutA speckled trout in Magnolia River

At this time an osprey that was perched in a tree near me was getting nervous. It started to call out the familiar warning cry, but I wasn't the one making it nervous.

Magnolia River OspreyAn osprey in Magnolia River

The osprey was focused on a commotion across the river. 

Bald Eagle in Magnolia RiverA bald eagle and osprey clash in Magnolia River The osprey was watching another osprey engaged in trying to drive off a bald eagle. It was successful in making the eagle move, but it didn't fly far. It landed on a nest. 

Bald Eagle in Magnolia RiverA bald eagle and osprey clash in Magnolia River I am hesitant to say this is an active nest with eggs for reasons you will see in a bit. At this time I caught my second speckled trout and it was another one about 15". 

Magnolia River Great Blue HeronA great blue heron in Magnolia River

After a quick release, another eagle flew to the nest. The reason I don't think this is an active nest is because the other bald eagle looks to be immature. The white feathers are just starting to form. This eagle may be around 4 years old as that is the time when they develop the white feathers of an adult. I am guessing this may be a pair that are bonding and may be deciding to take over this tree or are in the early stages of building a nest. This one appears to be smaller than a typical eagle nest and more the size of an osprey nest. This time of year there are eggs or chicks in the nest and these two did not seem like they were taking care of eggs or babies. If anyone knows more about young eagle behavior let me know.

Magnolia River Bald EagleA pair of bald eagles in Magnolia River

By this time the action on the river had slowed down. No more bites and even the birds seemed to be taking a break. I trolled back to the launch and no bites. As I was about to load up, I saw some brown pelicans perched in trees. While not unusual, I just don't see this too much so I had to go get some photographs. 

Magnolia River Brown PelicanA brown pelican in Magnolia River Magnolia River Brown PelicanA brown pelican in Magnolia River Magnolia River Brown PelicanA brown pelican in Magnolia River Magnolia River Brown PelicanA brown pelican in Magnolia River

Farther up the river I saw a comical sight: pelicans were perched on a river house. They were sleeping on my first pass and didn't pay me any attention. I threw my lurer around trying to get a fish but still no bites. On my second pass through they were preening. I do believe this was the highlight of the trip this afternoon. It was great being in God's Creation and observing up close these pelicans going about their normal behaviors. It was a great Christmas Eve.

Magnolia River Brown PelicanA brown pelican in Magnolia River Magnolia River Brown PelicanA brown pelican in Magnolia River Magnolia River Brown PelicanA brown pelican in Magnolia River Magnolia River Brown PelicanA brown pelican in Magnolia River Magnolia River Brown PelicanA brown pelican in Magnolia River Magnolia River Brown PelicanA brown pelican in Magnolia River Magnolia River Brown PelicanA brown pelican in Magnolia River Magnolia River Brown PelicanA brown pelican in Magnolia River Magnolia River Great Blue HeronA great blue heron in Magnolia River Magnolia River CormorantsCormorants in Magnolia River