Today was a day with a beautiful clear sky, and I was fortunate, again, to be able to witness a few hundred eagles as they were congregating in the backwaters of the Mississippi on their way back north. The next few pictures will tell the story of one of them. This bird was had spent some time on the ice trying to pick small thawing fish out of the ice near the breaker rocks behind her. (Notice the white spots on her left wing. I'm guessing that she was roosting with other birds above her and that one of those above "lightened the load", so to speak, before taking off.)
Les
To maintain the "ice theme", I need to point out that this roosting bird was sitting on a limb extending over the ice. I liked the intense look that he had and the
way he was showing off his talons.
Les
Les,
I might have my 500 f4 IS by Christmas of this year. I just might be coming up to see you early next year if that's ok. I just can't take this any more. I think the low whimpering noises I'm making in front of my computer is finally working. My wife is coming around... Just wonderful images.
I meant to point out that the 3 pictures of the bird taking off are consecutive frames shot with the 20D, which continues to impress me with its ability to track a
moving subject. It may not do the job like my 1DII does, but for 1/3 the price, it does a great job.
Les
Another great series as usual Les. I love how No's 1 thru 4 show the powerful look of the feet and Talons. If you get a chance sign on to my artist friend Larry Martins website and look at some of his Eagle paintings. He met with me yesterday and saw your photographs and was really impressed. (www.larrykmartin.com) Scroll down the left side of the website to see the Eagles and his Biography. I always keep a lookout for your posts to see the new Eagle shots. Please keep them coming.
No fair! I never am able to get that close, the light is wrong, etc. Maybe I'll have better luck next year. Say, what are you going to photograph once the eagles are gone for the year?
gymell wrote:
No fair! I never am able to get that close, the light is wrong, etc. Maybe I'll have better luck next year. Say, what are you going to photograph once the eagles are gone for the year?
Liz,
Thanks for the look and for the comments. I've always got something to shoot around here. By now, I was planning on spending more time at
a couple of eagle nests, but they are in different directions from where I go to see the wintering eagles, and, as long as the ones moving through are around, I want to take advantage of their presence. Besides, at the nests now, they are pretty much just sitting on the eggs. Unless you happen to
catch the "changing of the guard", there really isn't much to see. I had also hoped to be watching a great horned owl nest, but I'm not sure if they came back to it this year. In a couple of weeks the pelicans will be moving through. Also, the first herons and ducks are moving into the area, and the
egrets should be here soon. Then, there are always resident hawks, deer,
etc.
Les
Rod Ostoski wrote:
Les,
I might have my 500 f4 IS by Christmas of this year. I just might be coming up to see you early next year if that's ok. I just can't take this any more. I think the low whimpering noises I'm making in front of my computer is finally working. My wife is coming around... Just wonderful images.
Rod
Rod,
Thanks for the look and for the comments. Good luck in your
quest for the 500.
Les
I liked the intense look that he had and the 
Just wonderful images.