An encounter with Golden Eagles !

We have just returned from a birding trip, to Southeastern Arizona where more than 400 species occur annually. Southeastern Arizona is one of the most exciting birding areas in the United States. The most exciting part of the vacation was an encounter with two Golden Eagles. The entire encounter lasted less than two minuets, according to the time stamps on the photos. But, it was truly a once in a life time experiences !

We left Douglas, AZ, early in the morning, heading NE on Hwy. 80. Just outside of town, we spotted what we first though were two Red-tailed Hawks. They were perched on top of a roadside bush, only about fifteen feet above the ground.

However, as we approached it was obvious they where far too big for Red-tails. I realized they where Golden Eagles, as I pulled the rental car over to the shoulder of the highway.

Getting out of the car, I only had time for a couple quick shots, before the Eagles flushed from their perches.

To my surprise one Eagle turned and circled back in my direction.

It is really spooky looking at the Golden Eagles eyes, staring straight at me, in this picture. The Golden Eagle is coming straight at me! But it is all happening so fast, the only thing I was thinking about was trying to keep the bird in focus and centered in the frame.

As you can see, I wasn’t able to move fast enough! I only got snippets of the eagle as it swooshed past!

It’s a good thing, I didn’t have time to remember the videos, of Golden Eagles knocking sheep off mountain cliffs!

The Golden Eagle is flying less than 20 feet above the ground.

I was almost falling over backwards to take this, and I only got the tail.

What a great experience, Gary. When the eagle fills up the viewfinder there is not much one can do. But you captured some nice shots, regardless, of a majestic bird. Looking forward to hearing about your other sightings, also.

What an amazing experience, Gary. I know you're very familiar with Bald Eagles - were these ones markedly bigger?

Beautiful photos Gary. It's such a thrill when they turn and come back toward you. I must commend you for holding still with the camera as it closed in on you-excellent captures.

I, too, look forward to seeing more of your photos.

Nice one! Impressive talons in the last pic, too

So glad he turned around for you. That must of been so awesome!!! Looking forward to your other sightings as well.

Thanks, Resin. Can you expand on the differences?

There were lots of Red-tailed Hawks perched on utility poles along the roads. I made a game of trying to pull over, and get out of the car fast enough to take pictures of the birds in flight.

I failed to get pictures more often than I succeed. Once in a while, I did shot a short series, like these three pictures, of a Red-tailed Hawk.

It’s interesting how the colors change from one shot to the next, as the sunny side and the shaded side change in flight.

Gras,
Fabulous pics...absolutely wonderful! Thanks for sharing :)

Thanks for all the nice comments.

Not all of the pole sitters flew, before I was out of the car, ready to shoot. There were a few like this one, which only staired at me, and held their perch.

This message was edited Feb 10, 2011 7:57 PM

Quoting from A BIRDER'S GUIDE TO SOUTHEASTERN ARIZONA
"Stretching 100 miles on a north-south axis and ranging from 15 to 25 miles in width, the 4000-foot high Sulphur Springs Valley has earned the reputation as the best winter raptor location in Southeastern Arizona. Up to 14 species of birds of prey find a cold-season niche in the broad grasslands....."

I was very disappointed to find 97% of the raptors where Red-tailed Hawks. I had expected a much greater variety. But there were Red-tailed in every imaginable color phase.

Wonderful shots Grasmussen!! Congrats on your Golden Eagle encounter! Love that first Red-tailed Hawk shot!

Thrilling experience and really super pics of this wonderful bird.

Understood. Thanks

Must have been a great experience. Great shots.

This Red-tailed Hawk was on the shoulder of the road, gorging on road kill coyote, when I spotted it.

As the car approached it flew up to the nearest utility pole. Checkout the bulge in it’s crop.

The Hawk was so stuffed that it wasn’t eager to fly.

I walked up close to the pole, before it finally flew, all the way to the next pole.

The Red-tailed was too full to eat, but was still guarding the bounty from several hungry ravens

Wonderful raptor shots Gary...love the Golden Eagle!! I can't imagine ever seeing one and having it get that close...great job!!

I agree, wonderful shots of the raptors.

Resin, thanks for the feeding differences between the Golden and the Bald Eagles, it will help me know where to find a Golden here better.

Wonderful shots Gary!