Bird Watching: Bald Eagle - Our National Symbol - Vol. #3

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Author Content linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 12, 2008 08:58 PM Post #5886202 Welcome to our third thread of this series. The prior thread, Vol. #2, can still be viewed at the following link. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/924419/ Despite the cold weather predicted for tomorrow, I hope to make a trip back to my favorite site. With a lot of rain the last two days, the water will most likely be muddy. So, I don't know what to expect. In the meantime, I still have a few photos to post from my last visit on 11/29/08. This first photo was posted on the last thread but I was playing around with my photo editing software. I thought the framing fit the theme of this entire series, i.e. - The Bald Eagle - Our National Symbol. Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 12, 2008 09:02 PM Post #5886224 The following seven (7) photos is another sequence series of an immature Bald Eagle, in flight ... Photo #1 ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 12, 2008 09:05 PM Post #5886233 Photo #2 of this young soon-to-be adult. Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 12, 2008 09:06 PM Post #5886238 Photo #3 of this series ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 12, 2008 09:08 PM Post #5886245 Photo #4 ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 12, 2008 09:09 PM Post #5886248 Photo #5 ... Click the image for an enlarged view. gardenpom Melbourne, FL (Zone 9b) December 12, 2008 09:09 PM Post #5886249 Flawless as always. Love the framing in the first pic. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 12, 2008 09:10 PM Post #5886252 Photo #6 ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 12, 2008 09:11 PM Post #5886254 And, Photo #7, the last of this in-flight series. Click the image for an enlarged view. gardenpom Melbourne, FL (Zone 9b) December 12, 2008 09:12 PM Post #5886258 Sorry I jumped in before you finished...the pics of the immature Eagle are super! pelletory Marlton, NJ December 12, 2008 09:54 PM Post #5886397 Great job Linth! linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 12, 2008 10:11 PM Post #5886457 Thanks, pelle ... No problem, gardenpom. It happens sometimes. Here are two more images from my last visit. Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 12, 2008 10:12 PM Post #5886462 Last one for tonight ... Click the image for an enlarged view. JuneyBug Dongducheon CpCasey South Korea (Zone 4b) December 12, 2008 10:42 PM Post #5886550 Wonderful! dellrose Conway, MO (Zone 5b) December 12, 2008 11:21 PM Post #5886691 They are just stunning Linth...I am really enjoying these threads! MargaretK PERTH Australia December 13, 2008 02:31 AM Post #5887016 Linth, they are fantastic shots of your beautiful national symbol. Thank you. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 16, 2008 07:06 PM Post #5899150 Thanks again, everyone. This past weekend I again took about 750 photos. On Saturday, the Gulls, mostly Ring-billed Gulls, were so plentiful that I had difficulty locking in focus on the Bald Eagles. Even with all of the images I took, I missed numerous opportunities. When you all have had enough, kindly let me know ... Here are a few images from Saturday. Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 16, 2008 07:08 PM Post #5899158 A nice catch ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 16, 2008 07:11 PM Post #5899166 Gliding across the water with his catch ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 16, 2008 07:14 PM Post #5899179 Wings spread wide ... he does have a fish ! Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 16, 2008 07:16 PM Post #5899186 Heading toward me ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 16, 2008 07:18 PM Post #5899196 One more photo before dinner, i.e. my dinner ... be back later ! Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 16, 2008 08:01 PM Post #5899324 Another ... Click the image for an enlarged view. Resin Northumberland United Kingdom (Zone 9a) December 16, 2008 08:05 PM Post #5899339 Nice pics! That last one appears in several of the pics, you can pick it out by the single white feather on the back of its head Resin linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 16, 2008 08:11 PM Post #5899355 You're correct, Resin ... Another eagle-fish combination photo. Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 16, 2008 08:24 PM Post #5899404 Resin, I've saved this photo for you ... how many Ring-billed Gulls in this photo ? I never saw so many gulls in my life and the next day (Sunday), only about 5%-10% remained. Where did they all go, and why ? Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 16, 2008 09:12 PM Post #5899566 I'm trying to determine what that brown strip is on his left talons. It seems to be too defined to be a shadow. Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 16, 2008 09:31 PM Post #5899645 Hello down there !!! Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 16, 2008 09:33 PM Post #5899657 Flying among the sea gulls ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 16, 2008 09:34 PM Post #5899662 A closer view ... Click the image for an enlarged view. gardenpom Melbourne, FL (Zone 9b) December 16, 2008 09:40 PM Post #5899683 Beautiful shots, Linth...by the way, I counted 1,456 Gulls (just kidding). linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 16, 2008 10:03 PM Post #5899756 gardenpom, my eyes actually bothered me after five hours of trying to sort out all of the movements in front of me. An eagle would suddenly appear out of nowhere and you wondered, "where did he come from ?" Here's two adults and a juvenile sitting among the flying gulls. Edited for spelling error ... This message was edited Dec 18, 2008 4:02 PM Click the image for an enlarged view. gardenpom Melbourne, FL (Zone 9b) December 16, 2008 10:07 PM Post #5899771 The Eagles look bewildered and maybe bothered also. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 16, 2008 10:10 PM Post #5899789 it was a little breezy and the eagles took full advantage of the wind currents. Sometimes it was difficult (or virtually impossible) to keep the focus on a fast moving eagle. Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 16, 2008 10:14 PM Post #5899805 I waste no photos !!! At least the front half is better than the back half. This is what I get when he is too close and moving too fast. Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 16, 2008 10:19 PM Post #5899822 Lighting wasn't too good on this one. Numerous eagles were sitting in trees right behind me but I didn't bother photographing them since the lighting was poor. Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 16, 2008 10:22 PM Post #5899835 I was a little tooo close to this one, especially the way he is facing. Click the image for an enlarged view. Resin Northumberland United Kingdom (Zone 9a) December 17, 2008 06:37 AM Post #5900613 Quoted: how many Ring-billed Gulls in this photo ? I never saw so many gulls in my life and the next day (Sunday), only about 5%-10% remained. Where did they all go, and why ? On migration, this late in the year probably to escape a hard freeze somewhere that they'd normally be wintering. Quoted: I'm trying to determine what that brown strip is on his left talons. It seems to be too defined to be a shadow. I'd guess it is the fish's pectoral fin. Resin MargaretK PERTH Australia December 17, 2008 07:04 AM Post #5900641 Fabulous shots, Linth. Seeing that many gulls must have almost taken on a surreal quality. I can't imagine anyone who is watching this thread would ever tire of seeing these fabulous birds. I also think it's the pectoral fin, or it could be a piece of weed. This message was edited Dec 17, 2008 7:07 PM gardenpom Melbourne, FL (Zone 9b) December 17, 2008 08:16 AM Post #5900743 I think Margaret is right, it looks like a weed draping over his talons also. Murmur Whidbey Island, WA (Zone 7a) December 18, 2008 02:09 AM Post #5903886 Linth, your photos never cease to amaze me - and take my breath away. There could never be "enough." linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 18, 2008 05:33 PM Post #5905620 Thank you again. Here's a few more. An adult Bald Eagle sitting on a rock observing a fly-by younger bird with a fish in his claws. Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 18, 2008 05:35 PM Post #5905630 Sailing toward me ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 18, 2008 05:37 PM Post #5905636 And, another ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 18, 2008 05:39 PM Post #5905641 They were busy chasing each other all day ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 18, 2008 05:43 PM Post #5905657 Another chase ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 18, 2008 05:45 PM Post #5905668 Same chase ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 18, 2008 05:49 PM Post #5905684 Two different eagles ... Click the image for an enlarged view. Resin Northumberland United Kingdom (Zone 9a) December 18, 2008 08:15 PM Post #5906194 Risky game, next to all those pylons . . . do many collide with the wires and get killed? Resin linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 18, 2008 09:48 PM Post #5906535 Resin, you're right but I haven't seen, or heard of, any eagles colliding with the wires. Here's one coming toward me with a nice-sized fish. Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 18, 2008 09:52 PM Post #5906556 An immature Bald Eagle in flight ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 18, 2008 10:28 PM Post #5906706 An adult flying by ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 18, 2008 10:31 PM Post #5906718 Another in-flight shot ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 20, 2008 05:52 PM Post #5912810 Here is a few more "chase" photos. These photos were taken at a distance of 600-700 feet so they lack the detail I would like. Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 20, 2008 05:53 PM Post #5912817 And, the chase is on ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 20, 2008 05:57 PM Post #5912834 This looks like a different group of eagles. I get some of them mixed up ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 20, 2008 05:59 PM Post #5912840 Another ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 20, 2008 06:02 PM Post #5912850 This happens quite often during a chase, i.e. a dropped fish ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) December 20, 2008 06:04 PM Post #5912856 I took two shots a split second apart ... Click the image for an enlarged view. gardenpom Melbourne, FL (Zone 9b) December 21, 2008 07:52 AM Post #5914377 Is that a serious try at food or maybe a form of recreation and training for them? Mrs_Ed Whiteside County, IL (Zone 5a) December 28, 2008 07:06 PM Post #5937094 Today I stopped at an area which I suspected had a couple of Eagles. I was SURE right. I counted 8-10 in my photos. I didn't have time to get close enough for them to adjust to me, so these are long shots. Still, it was quite the little bird oasis. Click the image for an enlarged view. Mrs_Ed Whiteside County, IL (Zone 5a) December 28, 2008 07:07 PM Post #5937097 I'd say about half were mature eagles. Click the image for an enlarged view. Mrs_Ed Whiteside County, IL (Zone 5a) December 28, 2008 07:08 PM Post #5937099 This was the closest/best picture I got. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia December 28, 2008 07:58 PM Post #5937282 Is the camera nazi allowing you to take photos again, Mrs Ed? Nice shots and look forward to more. Mrs_Ed Whiteside County, IL (Zone 5a) December 28, 2008 08:04 PM Post #5937313 Why YES, he is! I didn't take the monopod though. Next time! These eagles were about 35 miles from where I live. Hopefully there will be some more closer to home. dahlianut Calgary, AB (Zone 3a) December 28, 2008 08:34 PM Post #5937440 That looks like a bird haven Mrs_Ed. Luvly shots. pelletory Marlton, NJ December 28, 2008 09:55 PM Post #5937834 Nice ones Marna! Mrs_Ed Whiteside County, IL (Zone 5a) December 28, 2008 11:14 PM Post #5938135 I gotta tell you that it was quite magical. This is only on a little canal and I had to hike in a ways to get them. It was very secluded. I had a couple pix of other birds but I must have deleted them. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) January 05, 2009 04:11 PM Post #5969920 I went back this weekend to photograph the Bald Eagles for the last time until next November. The numbers have dwindled considerably as has the photographers. The place was again loaded with Gulls so I started photographing them. I did get a few shots of the Bald Eagles but nothing overly exciting. I'll post a few of the photos I did capture. Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) January 05, 2009 04:12 PM Post #5969923 Another sitting shot ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) January 05, 2009 04:14 PM Post #5969930 A juvenile with wings outstretched ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) January 05, 2009 04:15 PM Post #5969934 Same eagle as he was passing by me ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) January 05, 2009 04:20 PM Post #5969949 gardenpom, these chases are for the most part a serious try for food. They have an inherent trait that suggests that it is easier to steal a fish then to catch one. Note the fish tucked away under the lead eagle. Here a chase is underway ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) January 05, 2009 04:24 PM Post #5969968 Many of the chases end up like this one. I've taken numerous photos this year with the fish separated from the eagle and dropping to the ground or water. Of course, it would be nice to get a closer shot. This photo was taken at 700mm at quite some distance. Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) January 05, 2009 04:26 PM Post #5969970 Here's an adult coming my way ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) January 05, 2009 04:28 PM Post #5969978 Another photo of the same adult ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) January 05, 2009 04:29 PM Post #5969981 Another adult flying by ... Click the image for an enlarged view. Mrs_Ed Whiteside County, IL (Zone 5a) January 05, 2009 04:31 PM Post #5969985 Nice Charlie! I find it interesting that your season is winding down and we are in full swing here. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) January 05, 2009 04:47 PM Post #5970056 Mrs_Ed, I suspect we have a slightly warmer climate here than you do. Actually, one of the nests here on the eastern shore of Maryland usually has eggs on or about January 19. They will then incubate them for about 32-36 days. But for whatever reason, some days are better than others. I knew something was up when I pulled into the parking lot and very few cars were present. That was a quick signal to me that the activity has subsided. One last sitting shot. I hope you all have enjoyed the eagle photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. It has been a real joy. This message was edited Jan 5, 2009 5:10 PM Click the image for an enlarged view. luvsgrtdanes (Ronnie)Philadelphia, PA (Zone 6b) January 05, 2009 04:49 PM Post #5970062 I am in AWE of your pictures Linthicum!! It may be late but I am hoping to get there in the next week or two. I'll be happy to see just a few. What a site it must be!!! pelletory Marlton, NJ January 05, 2009 06:07 PM Post #5970367 Beautiful shots Linth! linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) January 05, 2009 09:10 PM Post #5971113 luvsgrtdanes, if you don't get your expectations too high as to numbers, you will be okay. Of course, be sure to take binoculars (or spotting scope) because they sit on some of the rocks that are over 1,000 feet away. If you have never heard them, it is also neat to hear them call. You normally would expect a voice much louder and/or coarse. Last year, I went as late as the last week in January and still saw some. They also sit in the trees behind you as you are facing the water. Let us know what you experience. No matter what, make sure you schedule another trip toward the end of November. Good luck !!! Thanks, pelle !!! Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) October 14, 2009 02:40 PM Post #7168725 Well, my season has just begun for photographing Bald Eagles. The majority of them have yet to arrive from the north but there is enough local activity to hold my attention. So, I hope you enjoy them. The photos do get somewhat repetitious but that's what keeps me going back in an attempt to get that perfect shot ... whatever it is. So, I'll begin where I left off back in January with just a few new photos. Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) October 14, 2009 02:43 PM Post #7168732 Flying gracefully about tree high ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) October 14, 2009 02:44 PM Post #7168740 Same bird, different wing position ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) October 14, 2009 02:48 PM Post #7168755 Flying around looking for a fish floating high in the water ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) October 14, 2009 02:53 PM Post #7168774 Another adult Bald Eagle gliding with the wind currents ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) October 14, 2009 02:55 PM Post #7168784 With the leaves still on the trees its been difficult to get any close-up sitting shots. Click the image for an enlarged view. dahlianut Calgary, AB (Zone 3a) October 14, 2009 03:08 PM Post #7168823 Great! Thanks for posting again this season linthicum! Seedtosser1 Glenview, IL October 14, 2009 03:13 PM Post #7168838 OH My GOSH!!! Yay, welcome home, Linth. My eyes are a just dancing with Eagles, WOW. Incredible, Thank you for continuing... pelletory Marlton, NJ October 14, 2009 03:20 PM Post #7168857 Wonderful pics Linth! JuneyBug Dongducheon CpCasey South Korea (Zone 4b) October 14, 2009 06:52 PM Post #7169543 Thanks for doing this thread for another year! I absolutly love the one with the leaves and spiderweb still in the tree. I think that I've never seen a shot of them surrounded by fall color. It sure looks nice! ducbucln Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b) October 14, 2009 07:12 PM Post #7169607 Fantastic photos Linth. My eagle photos aren't near as close. Guess I'd better start saving for the longer lens. Sure enjoy seeing your pictures! MargaretK PERTH Australia October 14, 2009 07:12 PM Post #7169609 Fabulous, Linth. I'd so love to see and photograph these magnificent birds. Do you mind reminding us what lens/es you are using? linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) October 14, 2009 08:05 PM Post #7169791 Thanks, all. I'm glad you enjoy them. I'll try to be somewhat selective in posting new photos. I do take lots of Bald Eagle photos, but as I mentioned, I'm still looking for better action shots. Margaret, I've been exclusively using a Nikkor 500mm prime lens with a Nikon D300 Digital SLR. I have 1.4x and 1.7x teleconverters but seldom use them. Tracking a flying Bald Eagle at 700mm or 850mm becomes a little difficult for me. I often miss a lot of shots at 500mm because tracking and keeping the eagle in focus isn't always easy. I use a Wimberley head on a Gitzo tripod which is a perfect combination. If you have never seen a Wimberley head in action you don't know what you have missed. The first time I saw one in action, I immediately decided I've got to get one of those. Many of the Bald Eagles are too far away to take any respectable photos. I haven't found that increasing focal length beyond 700mm helps a lot from a picture quality perspective, especially in-flight shots. So, I wait for them to come to me. Anyway, here is a photo of an immature Bald Eagle with a huge catch, taken this weekend. The fish was so heavy the eagle never really got airborne. It glided across the water to the adjacent island where it enjoyed some Sashimi. You can quickly see that a lot of improvement could be made on a photo like this one, but many times, the variables are beyond the photographer's control. So next time you hope that he catches a fish at a different site under better lighting conditions. Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) October 14, 2009 08:11 PM Post #7169813 JuneyBug, here is an immature Bald Eagle just about 20 feet above the ground. I actually had to back away in order to allow the 500mm lens to focus. Click the image for an enlarged view. gardenpom Melbourne, FL (Zone 9b) October 14, 2009 08:15 PM Post #7169828 Linth, if you have not gotten the "perfect" Bald Eagle shot yet, what hope do the rest of us have? Looking forward to a lot more of your Bald Eagle pics this winter. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) October 14, 2009 08:20 PM Post #7169845 gardenpom, I'm sorry ... but, rest assured, I've haven't got it yet !!! And, here's another photo of the earlier eagle sitting among the fall leaves. Here he's showing his better side ? Click the image for an enlarged view. Burd_Fotos Sandusky, OH October 14, 2009 11:47 PM Post #7170731 I like all the pics but the last one is my favorite, it almost looks like it's smiling. lol Keep em coming Linth! pelletory Marlton, NJ October 15, 2009 06:08 AM Post #7171122 Same here, love them all but the last one is wonderful! JuneyBug Dongducheon CpCasey South Korea (Zone 4b) October 17, 2009 01:14 AM Post #7178516 It sure is dellrose Conway, MO (Zone 5b) October 17, 2009 08:11 AM Post #7178756 Wonderful shots Linth...I love the ones in the trees with the autumn leaves! avaeads Seward, AK (Zone 7b) October 21, 2009 06:44 PM Post #7194953 Cool thread. Just now noticed it. Nice pix everyone. I came across this juvie baldy on a recent hunting/fishing trip up north. This pic was taken at Lake Louise, about 170 miles north of Anchorage. He was perched atop the cab of a pick-up at the boat launch area and hung out there for the entire three days that we were there. He allowed me to walk right up to him. I snapped several close-ups of him, but I like this one the best... Click the image for an enlarged view. pelletory Marlton, NJ October 21, 2009 06:47 PM Post #7194963 Nice one ava! linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) October 21, 2009 07:35 PM Post #7195108 Nice capture, Ava. Thanks for posting it. Although I should be satisfied with my personal encounters with the Bald Eagle, one of the most enviable places that I have ever seen through others photos is Homer, AK. Have you ever been there ... about 3 hours away from Seward ? I referenced this website (attached link) in the past but I will mention it again. I know the photographer, Woody Dawson, quite well and he has personally shared with me many of his experiences while in Homer. It is well worth the time to visit his website. Click on "The Eagle Lady - 2007". The 'Eagle Lady' is Jean Keene who passed away earlier this year at age 85. For over 30 years her feeding of the Bald Eagles was surrounded by controversy and drew national attention. The second link, for those interested, covers the issue in much more detail. http://www.woodyseagles.com/10.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Keene avaeads Seward, AK (Zone 7b) October 22, 2009 05:08 AM Post #7196315 Yes...Lived in Homer for 3 years in the early 70's and fished out of there for 15 years. I live just outside of Seward (was born there, btw), right along side of Salmon Creek. There are eagles all over this area...just never had the opportunity to get that good of a close-up before. Here's a pic of a couple of eagles that hang out near my nephew's cabin on the bay... Click the image for an enlarged view. pelletory Marlton, NJ October 23, 2009 07:30 AM Post #7199780 That is so neat ava! avaeads Seward, AK (Zone 7b) November 04, 2009 02:59 AM Post #7239761 We had our first snowfall last night which quickly turned to freezing rain come daylight. When this happens, the eagles feathers quite often ice up. There were several eagles around my property today perched in trees with their wings hanging to dry off. Sometimes when they fly you can hear the ice on their feathers crackling. I remember once as a kid, an iced down eagle actually crashed into the snow right in our yard. He soon recovered and took off again, crackling away as he went. Notice the one on the left with his wings hanging down... Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 04, 2009 03:54 AM Post #7239782 Wow, Ava, that is astonishing. I have never considered such a thing happening. The fact that they can fly when their wings are encrusted with ice is even more amazing. dahlianut Calgary, AB (Zone 3a) November 06, 2009 08:51 PM Post #7248921 That is amazing. Is there high humidity where you are aveads? Grasmussen Anchorage, AK (Zone 4a) November 06, 2009 11:40 PM Post #7249371 On Sunday we drove down to Portage Valley expecting to photograph eagles. Portage Valley is about 2/5,s of the drive from Anchorage to Seward where Ava lives. To our surprise winter had already arrive in the valley. A week earlier there had been a dozen eagles around the lake in this picture, but the rain was coming down nearly horizontally. The few pictures I snapped then were too blurred by the rain to keep! This time the lake was frozen solid with a solitary optimist refusing to leave. A late run of Silver Salmon attracts the eagles. As I was walking around the lake to get this picture, I encountered Black Bear tracks in the fresh snow. We still do not have any snow in Anchorage, unusual because winter normally arrives well before Halloween. Click the image for an enlarged view. pelletory Marlton, NJ November 07, 2009 12:14 AM Post #7249437 Wow that is beautiful Gary! linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) November 17, 2009 11:07 AM Post #7282376 Gary, very scenic photo. I bet as the light changes, the scenery changes dramatically. Ava, thanks for sharing your photos, also. We are nearing what should normally be the peak time for the migrating Bald Eagles. A week ago, one observer counted in excess of 200. They were everywhere. However, this past weekend, the numbers had dwindled dramatically. Why ? I don't know. We had several days of bad weather which may have contributed somewhat to the number change. I took about 10% of the photos I took the previous weekend. There were more photographers than eagles. Nonetheless, I will be back this weekend, weather permitting. Juvenile Bald Eagles are not nearly as photogenic as the adults but you take what you can get. Here are a few photos of a juvenile Bald Eagle circling low over the water as he searches for food. Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) November 17, 2009 11:10 AM Post #7282381 Sometimes the juveniles give you more photo opportunities as they attempt to catch a fish. With their inexperience they tend to miss or drop the fish more frequently than the adults and keep going back for it. Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) November 17, 2009 11:12 AM Post #7282388 The lighting has to be good to capture a decent photo of a juvenile. Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) November 17, 2009 11:14 AM Post #7282399 Another photo as he passes by ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) November 17, 2009 11:15 AM Post #7282405 And another ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) November 17, 2009 11:16 AM Post #7282410 Last one of this juvenile ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) November 17, 2009 11:19 AM Post #7282416 Okay, one more. Not sure if this is the same eagle. Click the image for an enlarged view. pelletory Marlton, NJ November 17, 2009 11:33 AM Post #7282462 Wonderful shots Linth!! Their all great but I love the third one. ducbucln Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b) November 17, 2009 12:04 PM Post #7282581 Wow, 200 of these beauties! Here I am just having 3 or 4 year round and thinking I'm the luckiest person in the world! Hope you'll see lots more so we can see more of your beautiful photos!! I bet their screeching calls are music to your ears. Enjoy these beauties and keep taking these pictures for us. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) November 17, 2009 12:13 PM Post #7282606 Thanks, pelle and duc. The problem is, if it's a problem, is that of the 200, 195 are sitting on the rocks or towers, 2,000 feet away. So you have to patiently wait for them to get hungry or decide to exercise and hope that they come your direction. Here's an adult coming my way ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) November 17, 2009 12:15 PM Post #7282617 Another adult flying toward the morning sun ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) November 17, 2009 12:18 PM Post #7282625 Another early morning photo ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) November 17, 2009 12:19 PM Post #7282634 Another flight shot against the blue sky ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) November 17, 2009 12:21 PM Post #7282642 A flight shot with the power lines in the background ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) November 17, 2009 12:25 PM Post #7282656 An adult Bald Eagle leisurely gliding through the sky ... Click the image for an enlarged view. linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) November 17, 2009 12:28 PM Post #7282665 A successful catch ... Click the image for an enlarged view. dellrose Conway, MO (Zone 5b) November 17, 2009 01:15 PM Post #7282816 Wow Linth...really beautiful shots! Love them all but the next to the last needs to be matted and framed...it is just awesome!! linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) November 17, 2009 03:40 PM Post #7283264 Thanks, Rose. Here it is framed for you ... Click the image for an enlarged view. pelletory Marlton, NJ November 17, 2009 03:42 PM Post #7283268 Beautiful shots Linth! It must be a great experience being around all those eagles. ducbucln Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b) November 17, 2009 05:29 PM Post #7283676 I love them all, but that one "flying toward the sun" is spectacular. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 17, 2009 06:50 PM Post #7283908 Fabulous shots, Linth. Love them all. JuneyBug Dongducheon CpCasey South Korea (Zone 4b) November 17, 2009 08:42 PM Post #7284297 Beautiful! dahlianut Calgary, AB (Zone 3a) November 18, 2009 04:24 PM Post #7287085 Incredible! linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) November 18, 2009 04:33 PM Post #7287110 I thank everyone for their participation and comments. We are nearing our peak time for migrating Bald Eagles so I will continue this thread at the following link. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1056744/

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