My best Bald Eagle shots so far?

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My best Bald Eagle shots so far?

February 28, 2019 by Mike Powell

As many of you know, I love to photograph Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). There is something about the majesty and strength of these birds that never fails to impress and inspire me.

On Tuesday, a beautiful sunny day. there were several eagles flying about in the skies over Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. I am not sure if they were motivated by love or by competition, but it was definitely fun to watch them in action. I had lost sight of a pair that I had been tracking when suddenly I heard the sound of an eagle’s cry that seemed to be really close. I glanced upwards and saw an eagle on an exposed branch in a nearby tree.

My heart was pumping and I probably was holding my breath, but I managed to capture a few shots that may well be the my best shots ever of a Bald Eagle. I was very fortunate to have been presented a situation and I was thrilled to be able to take advantage of it so well. (If you click on the images, you can see more amazing details, like the pink color of the inside of the eagle’s mouth.)

It is moments like this that help to keep me motivated as a wildlife photographer. These may be my best shots of an eagle so far, but who knows, there may be more and better images in the future.

Posted in Birds, Nature, Photography, wildlife, Winter | Tagged Bald Eagle, Canon 50D, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Tamron 150-600mm, Woodbridge VA | 22 Comments

22 Responses

on February 28, 2019 at 4:58 am | Reply blhphotoblog

Well done Mike! You have been rewarded for all your time and effort, super images.
on February 28, 2019 at 6:49 am | Reply joyroses13

Awesome shots!
on February 28, 2019 at 7:15 am | Reply Ann

Amazing! Thank you!
on February 28, 2019 at 8:38 am | Reply Molly

I must say I have NEVER seen the pink inside that mouth! You have outdone yourself again!!
on February 28, 2019 at 9:02 am | Reply Jodi

WOW!
on February 28, 2019 at 9:16 am | Reply Ellen Jennings

Fabulous captures, Mike, and what fun to have an Eagle so close and be ready!
on February 28, 2019 at 1:28 pm | Reply Dan Antion

Wow – those certainly are good ones, Mike!
- on February 28, 2019 at 8:59 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Dan. I am always so focused on the next photo that I don’t take the time to appreciate the ones I have taken. I think I may have one or both of these shots printed so I can remind myself of the wonderful encounter.
  - on March 1, 2019 at 6:51 am Dan Antion
    
    You should do that.
on February 28, 2019 at 1:42 pm | Reply bayphotosbydonna

Beautiful!
on February 28, 2019 at 2:43 pm | Reply Laura (PA Pict)

Wow! Superb portrait, Mike! Congratulations and well done!
- on February 28, 2019 at 8:57 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Laura. Persistence pays off sometimes as well as being in the right place at the right time.
  - on February 28, 2019 at 8:59 pm Laura (PA Pict)
    
    Knowledge, experience, skill, and lashings of talent.
on February 28, 2019 at 3:21 pm | Reply Ms. Liz

The lighting within the arc of the wings in the lower photo is simply amazing – Nigel
- on February 28, 2019 at 8:54 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  I was very fortunate to have the lighting coming from behind me when I took that shot. This is the only time I have captured the wings in that kind of position. It was definitely a case of being in the right place at the right time.
on February 28, 2019 at 3:29 pm | Reply Ms. Liz

I called Nigel over to look at the photos and went off to make a cuppa. Now I’ve looked at the large views and I’m in awe! What a fabulous opportunity came your way and it couldn’t have happened to a better photographer since you share your “catches” with us! Well done!
- on February 28, 2019 at 8:56 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Liz. I think I may have one or both of the images printed. Most of my photos exist only in digital form, but it is really nice sometimes to have them hanging on the wall. 🙂
  - on February 28, 2019 at 9:09 pm Ms. Liz
    
    Definitely! I hope you do Mike, I think it would give you a great deal of happiness and satisfaction to have them on your wall 🙂
on February 28, 2019 at 7:56 pm | Reply myenchantingfloridalife

💕
on March 11, 2019 at 4:03 pm | Reply Molly Lin Dutina

It always amazes me how the birds seem to put their whole being into their songs!
on March 16, 2019 at 3:57 am | Reply Michael Scandling

Gorgeous!
on May 18, 2019 at 6:49 pm | Reply Noellie

wow, great capture! Eagles are just so majestic. I found an article with photos showing an eagle allowing a crow to hitch a ride in mid air https://noelliesplace.com/2019/05/18/piggy-back-rides/