Bald Eagle - Our National Symbol - Vol. #3

Linth, your photos never cease to amaze me - and take my breath away. There could never be "enough."

Thank you again. Here's a few more.

An adult Bald Eagle sitting on a rock observing a fly-by younger bird with a fish in his claws.

Sailing toward me ........

And, another ......

They were busy chasing each other all day .......

Another chase .....

Same chase .....

Two different eagles .......

Risky game, next to all those pylons . . . do many collide with the wires and get killed?

Resin

Resin, you're right but I haven't seen, or heard of, any eagles colliding with the wires.

Here's one coming toward me with a nice-sized fish.

An immature Bald Eagle in flight .....

An adult flying by .......

Another in-flight shot ......

Here is a few more "chase" photos. These photos were taken at a distance of 600-700 feet so they lack the detail I would like.

And, the chase is on .....

This looks like a different group of eagles. I get some of them mixed up ......

Another ....

This happens quite often during a chase, i.e. a dropped fish ....

I took two shots a split second apart ......

Is that a serious try at food or maybe a form of recreation and training for them?

Today I stopped at an area which I suspected had a couple of Eagles. I was SURE right. I counted 8-10 in my photos.

I didn't have time to get close enough for them to adjust to me, so these are long shots. Still, it was quite the little bird oasis.

I'd say about half were mature eagles.

This was the closest/best picture I got.

Is the camera nazi allowing you to take photos again, Mrs Ed? Nice shots and look forward to more.

Why YES, he is! I didn't take the monopod though. Next time!

These eagles were about 35 miles from where I live. Hopefully there will be some more closer to home.

That looks like a bird haven Mrs_Ed. Luvly shots.

Nice ones Marna!

I gotta tell you that it was quite magical. This is only on a little canal and I had to hike in a ways to get them. It was very secluded.

I had a couple pix of other birds but I must have deleted them.

I went back this weekend to photograph the Bald Eagles for the last time until next November. The numbers have dwindled considerably as has the photographers. The place was again loaded with Gulls so I started photographing them. I did get a few shots of the Bald Eagles but nothing overly exciting. I'll post a few of the photos I did capture.

Another sitting shot ......

A juvenile with wings outstretched .....

Same eagle as he was passing by me .......

gardenpom, these chases are for the most part a serious try for food. They have an inherent trait that suggests that it is easier to steal a fish then to catch one. Note the fish tucked away under the lead eagle.

Here a chase is underway ......

Many of the chases end up like this one. I've taken numerous photos this year with the fish separated from the eagle and dropping to the ground or water. Of course, it would be nice to get a closer shot. This photo was taken at 700mm at quite some distance.

Here's an adult coming my way ......

Another photo of the same adult ......

Another adult flying by ..........

Nice Charlie! I find it interesting that your season is winding down and we are in full swing here.

Mrs_Ed, I suspect we have a slightly warmer climate here than you do. Actually, one of the nests here on the eastern shore of Maryland usually has eggs on or about January 19. They will then incubate them for about 32-36 days.

But for whatever reason, some days are better than others. I knew something was up when I pulled into the parking lot and very few cars were present. That was a quick signal to me that the activity has subsided.

One last sitting shot.

I hope you all have enjoyed the eagle photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. It has been a real joy.

This message was edited Jan 5, 2009 5:10 PM

I am in AWE of your pictures Linthicum!! It may be late but I am hoping to get there in the next week or two. I'll be happy to see just a few. What a site it must be!!!