A Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) paused for a moment to check on its catch as it flew away on Monday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Occasionally I will see an eagle flying with a fish in its talons, but it is quite rare for me to see an eagle actually catch the fish.
In this case, I was fortunate enough to spot an eagle circling low over the water and I captured a few images just after the eagle snagged the fish. In the second shot, which chronologically speaking was the first shot, you can just make out the fish. In the third shot, the eagle appears to be adjusting itself to the additional weight and is starting to increase its speed and altitude.
These are the kind of action shots that I love to capture. I never know when such situations will arise, so I always try to remain ready to react.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Wow! How cool to witness that and so glad you caught the shots so that you could share them with us. Thanks!
Wonderful series. The Eagle sequence we all love to catch, and rarely do.
Excellent!
I am always amazed at how easy they make fishing look. I’m lucky if I can see them in an otherwise empty sky. They see a fish, underwater and know where to be to snag it. Awesome captures, Mike.
Nice catch for the eagle. Very nice catch for the photographer.
Thanks, Michael. There was a lot of luck in being at the right place at the right time and I was happy to be able to take advantage of the opportunity.
Fabulous action shots. I love the sense of drama and energy they each contain.
Thanks so much, Laura. It is wonderful to get shots of wild creatures in a static situation, but my joy is definitely multiplies when I can capture shots of them in action.
Nice shots!
Thanks.
Nice sequence, Mike. You got lucky that day!
Indeed I did. One of my goals is to develop my skills to a level at which I can react quickly and accurately enough to take full advantage of that kind of luck.
Great series and so much fun to see!
First shot looks as if he is checking to see if fish is still there! FUN photos ;-D
That was my immediate thought. I figured it was either that or he was finally trying to see what kind of fish he had caught.
Great capture!
Thanks. A little skill and a lot of luck. 🙂