Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Eagle Expressions

During our visit to Conowingo Dam Willard & I spent quite a few hours with this perched eagle. While it may have seemed a waste to some to wait and photograph this one eagle over a span of time, that is not the case. During this time span the lighting changed, the eagle shifted position, and changed its expression frequently.

In this first shot the wind has ruffled the feathers on the back of the head and the slight shadow cast by its eyebrow imparts a stern uncompromising expression to our subject.


With open mouth and evenly lit by direct sunlight the eagle appears entirely different in this frame.


9 comments:

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Are you being scolded in that last picture.Excellent shot.
Blessings,Ruth

Chris said...

Wow splendid expression Coy. The second one is simply the most beautiful picture of the eagle I've ever seen. Gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

I call some photographers, "Snap and go" because that's what they do. I am so glad you pointed out that the best photographs are those taken by people who know what they are doing with light and shadows. You get the best photographs. Your brother's turkey fight, Head to Head, is fabulous too.

Just to add to this. I spent an entire day. From Sun up to Sun down watching and photographing an electrocuted squirrel whose final death grip was for his hand/foot to grab the wire that killed him. There he hung. And each hour gave me different looks at different parts of the body.

These eagles are magnificent creatures and your photos prove that.

Les Barr said...

Coy, your Image of that Eagle does show a different expression. While he's looking down, his expression seems to say "Yeah, What do you want." or "Leave Me Alone." Another expression would be "Don't Piss Me Off."

In all the different Images of Eagles that I've seen, the Bird has always shown some sort of defiant look from him or her. This is probably why the American Bald Eagle is our Nation's symbol of Freedom.

I shall return to the Conowingo Dam sometime in the near future.

bobbie said...

"A waste of time"? Oh no! These are fantastic!
Time spent with Nature is never wasted.

John said...

To Abraham...I cannot agree more with you. My wife and I spend more time waiting in the bushes and grass than we do shooting. You can't get the great shots walking around looking for it. Waiting for the right time and light is crucial.

Montanagirl said...

Wonderful captures! They are such a magnificent bird.

Peggy said...

You always bring a fresh perspective to things! I can sit and watch for hours, but usually for that "flight" shot! In that span, I get preening, yawning, all kinds of cool things that I forget about, while being impatient...

photowannabe said...

Coy, I have finally caught up on the last series of pictures. What amazing photos. the drama and chronicaling (is that a word)? is fantastic. Thank you for letting me see nature in its true natural form.