You have to be really careful scratching an itch if you have big talons like this Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) that I spotted yesterday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
At least one of the eagle couples has recently been observed building a nest, so already a number of paths in the wildlife refuge are now blocked. As I wandered around the refuge, I did spot several eagle couples and some possible nests—it is hard for me to tell if a possible nest is an eagle nest or an osprey nest. Unlike the nest in the closed area, these nests are far enough away from the paths that the human presence is less likely to disturb the eagles. It is at times like this that I am thankful that my telephoto zoom lens extends out to 600mm.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I wouldn’t want him scratching my back.
We know the Eagles feet and talons are big this outstretched leg really shows that off. Nice capture!
On the other hand, he does look as though he might be greeting a pal!
Wow! Great shot, Mike! 👍