Monday, April 28, 2008

An Image of an Awesome Morning



This past Friday evening I posted the Immature Bald Eagle that I had captured while fishing/photographing the morning of April 12th. On Saturday morning I again visited the nearby lake. Upon leaving the boat dock I headed across the lake towards the western shore. Soon I sighted a duck swimming and began my approach. After a few shots at long range the duck tired of the game and flew away. As I looked around I spotted some white in a treetop and immediately assumed it was one of the Ospreys that frequent the lake; how wrong I was! A moment later it took flight, an Adult Bald Eagle!

The eagle flew to the south end of the lake alighting in a tree top so I slowly eased my boat that way but while I was still 300-350 yards out it again took flight, flying back to the western shore and again perching in a tree. Again I gave slow pursuit. This time when the eagle flew another adult joined it flying north. As the morning progressed I did some fishing along with photographing waterfowl, including the Wood Duck on Saturday’s post. An hour or so later I rounded a small bend in the lake only to see the eagle pair takeoff again, this time alighting in a tree near the north end of the lake, a dead tree where the week before I had photographed an Osprey eating its catch.

Again I attempted to approach by motoring across the lake concealing myself from the eagles with the shoreline. This allowed me to approach to within about 200 yards. As I again came into view of the eagles I began firing and quickly they took flight.

The angle of lighting is not what I desired and the distance too far for a great image but to me this photograph represents the memories of an awesome morning spent with these beautiful raptors.

9 comments:

Chad Oneil Myers said...

I'm glad you got to enjoy that morning with those rare birds.

Anonymous said...

It is nice to see them. And it is clever how you approached. I think they knew where you were and were teasing you.

I am happy for you that you got this shot of them.

Tom said...

What a morning that must have been... Well done Salty.. a true Country Capture... you certain found the right name for your blog..

Tom

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Salty: Enjoyed your story as you tried for the best picture. I agree with Abe, they were teasing you. I really like that you shared the picture of our national bird. I hope they give you another chance.

Rose said...

I don't think there is anything that gives me quite the thrill that seeing a bald eagle does. They are just so majestic...and as a kid I would never have dreamed of getting to see one.

Stacey Olson said...

Beautiful, and the memories! Loved the post.
Had to laugh at you last post also.. not sure how I missed it.. LOL I have never had bluegill, but my husband says it is great. thanks for sharing

Michele said...

I think still with the lighting and all it still turned out awesome! I enjoyed reading the post. I never get a chance to see these birds so this is a treat.

DeeMom said...

For sure an Awesome morning...WOW

Kerri Farley said...

Wow! My heart has skipped a beat...what an awesome experience!