The weather was not very cooperative this past Monday, but my persistence was rewarded when I was able to observe a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) pulling a fish out of the waters off of Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Northern Virginia. On multiple occasions I have seen an eagle with a fish in its talons, but this was the first time that I actually got the see the eagle catch the fish.
The only downside was that I was quite a distance away and the light was limited when I captured the shots. Like most wildlife photographers, though, I feel inspired by the images that I do capture to go out again and again, often to the same places, with the hope and expectation that I will have more opportunities to make better images. Unlike Olympic athletes, I won’t have to wait four more years to have another chance to test myself.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
There’s a reason you were persistent to begin with, and will be again. What a spectacular act to witness. Thanks so much, Mike.
Great shot, Mike. I especially like the second one. Not something you get to see every day!
The second one is my favorite too (it is sharper and I like the land in the background), but I decided to lead with the one that came first in the time sequence.
Nice snag – you and the eagle!
What a cool thing to see and how great that you captured it.
Thanks, Laura. It was definitely a cool moment and I am happy to get recognizable photos of the encounter. Like most photographers (and artists), however, I am my own worst critic and I am not quite satisfied with the quality of my photos.
Beautiful photos, Mike! 👍 I remember when I saw an eagle swoop down over the water one cloudy day when I was at the lake – so breathtaking! I think you captured that feeling well in your photos!
Thanks, Jill. I never get tired of seeing bald eagles–it was a special treat to see one in action.