This majestic Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was partially hidden behind some branches yesterday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, but I managed to find a visual tunnel and capture this image of it. Most of the time I prefer an uncluttered background, but in this case I really like the organic shapes and patterns of the out-of-focus branches.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I agree, the background gives it a unique touch! How fortunate you are to live close to where you can see these great birds and others up close.
I do like the photo, Mike but I’m also thinking that, in this pose, he reminds me of Sam the Eagle on the Muppets.
I had to check out photos of Sam and can see a certain resemblance. I was a Muppets fan, but don’t remember him very well–I was a huge Kermit fan.
Sam wasn’t a frequent character, but memorable.
I watched some Youtube segments in which he is featured and he definitely is a character. 🙂
You captured the eagle so nicely, the branches add to the image rather than detracting. I’ve “lost” some images because of grasses or tree branches being in the way, but here everything works.
What a stunner! Great shot of a fantastic bird.