Golden Eagle + Nictitating Membrane

Even though eagles are a common sight out here in Montana, golden eagles, in particular, have always been much more difficult to find, and even harder to photog...
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Even though eagles are a common sight out here in Montana, golden eagles, in particular, have always been much more difficult to find, and even harder to photograph. Coming across this stoic fella was a thrill for sure, but catching the split-second moment as he blinked his “third eyelid” only made this encounter more memorable.

This inner eyelid is called the nictitating membrane, and its purpose goes beyond solely making this eagle look creepy. It is a characteristic that all birds have, which allows them to blink while being able to maintain their sight. This is a crucial trait for birds of prey specifically because it enables them to activate the membrane while attacking their prey. It creates a barrier that shields their eyes from being scratched by whatever unlucky victim finds themselves in their talons. The nictitating membrane is just one fascinating attribute among the countless others that make these animals such formidable aerial predators.
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