Saturday, August 08, 2009

Eagle Suprise



When the alarm sounded at 6:00am this morning, although later than usual, it was still too early for my tired body. After running on 4-5 hours of sleep each night for the last couple of weeks I decided, after looking out at the gray overcast skies, to postpone my planned early morning fishing/photography trip to the Meadow Grounds Lake.

Awakened by my wife at 9:30 I felt much better and with the sun beginning to break through I grabbed my gear, loaded the boat and was on my way. Working my way along the eastern shoreline casting to the weed edge I was surprised when suddenly a mature Bald Eagle flew from a nearby tree and crossed the lake landing out of sight.

Readying the camera I motored across the lake south of the Eagle’s position then turned north near the shoreline moving slowly waiting the Eagle to take flight. Approaching the Eagles position a flock of Wood Ducks flushed from the reeds and a few moments later the Eagle dropped from it hidden position in a large oak.

I only had time for five images before the Eagle passed out of sight but it was sufficient time to capture my closest image to date of a mature Bald Eagle in flight.

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20 comments:

Kerri Farley said...

WOW Salty...you never cease to amaze me! Fabulous image!!

DeniseinVA said...

Magnificent photo! I have never seen a Bald Eagle in the wild.

Anonymous said...

You certainly nailed this one, Coy. It is a beautiful bird and spotless image. The feathers are just perfect and the expression on the face is priceless.

I saw a Tiger Swallowtail today. Second one this year.

imac said...

Way to go Coy, brill piece of work.
Certainly fit for your new Header.
Well Done - my friend.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Stunning shot!Wow!
Blessings,Ruth

Misty DawnS said...

That shot is unbelievably amazing and AWESOME! You get some of the best nature shots EVER, my friend.

mimi said...

what a spread eagle pose.

Brad Myers said...

WOW! and capture you did, what an awesome photo. You must be happy, sharp and in flight. I guess is pays to lay in some mornings, but 9:30 that would make me feel like a kid again (except for the pains in different parts of my body).

Mara said...

That is just a fantastic photo!

Larry D said...

Awesome encounter, excellent shot!

Willard said...

That was a good encounter and you made the most of it!

Unknown said...

That's not a lot of sleep ... but if you get a nap in it could suffice. But photographers are notoriously burning the candle at both ends.

Elaine said...

Wow! Absolutely stunning shot! Taking care of yourself is good for.

Montanagirl said...

Awesome! Love the Header too.

photowannabe said...

So awesome Salty. Seeing the eagle would have taken my breath away.

Chad Oneil Myers said...

Your best eagle image so far. Impressive.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Salty: That is one beautiful bird.

Michele said...

Oh wow, this is truly what I dream of seeing! It really is amazing!

Tim Rucci said...

Really nice capture, Coy. Glad you had planned ahead and were able to get the shot. There is really nice detail in the dark feathers.

Chris said...

Gosh, what a fantastic surprise. Everybody wants one like that! Gorgeous and well captured!