Sometimes you have to ruffle a few feathers if you want to look good. That was certainly the case for this Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) that I spotted this past Monday morning at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
The eagle poked about with its beak among its feathers and occasionally would shake its entire body to fluff the feathers. I managed to position myself at almost a perfect distance—I was able to observe and photograph the eagle without disturbing it.
As a wildlife photographer, I need to constantly remind myself of the need to be respectful of the creatures whose images I am seeking to capture. This is especially true in the winter, when survival for some of them may be a challenge and I try to minimize my interference with their hunting or food gathering. It’s almost inevitable that I will spook some of them, but my long telephoto zoom lens helps me to keep a good distance between me and potential subjects.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
He does look a bit disheveled. Then again, I wouldn’t say anything.
I really like that final image of the eagle preening its feathers. It just isn’t the typical silhouette of an eagle which makes it more interesting and I also like images that capture an aspect of behaviour.
Really lovely photos, Mike. I am especially taken with the third one, the scalloped black feathers, the fanned white feathers, and the upside-down head.