From a distance I was able to catch a glimpse of a nesting Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) last week at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. I love the way that this shot shows the awesome structure of the tree in which the eagles built their nest.
As I mentioned in an earlier posting, officials at the wildlife refuge have blocked of roads near this nest to keep the eagles from being unnecessarily disturbed by human activity. I captured this image from behind the barriers. As nesting activity continues, I suspect that the barriers will be pushed even further back, so I decided to get this shot while I was still able to do so.
Once I was aware of the presence of the eagle in the nest I attempted to be as stealthy as I could in approaching the barrier, which is a little tough to do when you are standing in the middle of a wide trail with fields on both sides. I stayed low and left after I had taken a few shots.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
A gorgeous tree and what a nest! This pair has made a good home site pick.
great capture of that gorgeous tree and nest and eagle so carefully designed and constructed. Lucky you to get so close!
I’m a little jealous, Mike. We can’t get anywhere near our nesting eagles They next on/near the island between the CT River and the Windsor Locks Canal, and they simply close the gates at the ends of the Canal Path, until April – June if they produce an eaglet.