I have had unusually good luck finding Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) this month at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, including this one that I spotted on Monday. Most often when I see an eagle, it flies away before I can get close, which is not really surprising given its superior eyesight and reaction time.
This time, though, I was able to approach the eagle until I was almost directly below the tree in which it was perched. In the wintertime, that might have allowed me to get some awesome close-up shots, but in this case my view of the eagle was almost completely blocked by the abundant foliage. I moved around a little until I was finally able to see the eagle’s eye and captured the first image below. The second image was my initial view of the eagle before I started to creep closer. I like that shot a lot, but it seems to me that it doesn’t quite have the same visual impact as the first shot.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I agree. The first shot is something very special. You’re so fortunate to have had the opportunity. Second shot is also very good, but the first shot – wow!
That first image is amazing, Mike! I’m surprised he let you get that close.
“Close” is a relative term when using a 600mm lens. I think the eagle was looking out into the distance and the same leaves that hid the eagle from me also obscured its view of me. I think also that eagles sometimes daydream. A few years ago I think I startled an eagle and its first reaction was to fly toward me. Check out the photos in this posting https://michaelqpowell.com/2016/02/07/im-not-your-prey/
That’s true, Mike, the lens brings us closer than we need to be in person. That earlier post has some amazing images.
Totally agree on the first shot being amazing!!
Thanks. It is definitely an unusual look at one of my favorite subjects, the bald eagle.
Glad you shared it with us!
I love that first shot, Mike! Well done.
I’m not big on parades, but I’m joining this one. That first image is very cool. I’d be happy with the second but the eye peering through the leaves is mesmerizing. Nice work, Mike.
Thanks, Steve. I love parades. 🙂 Seriously, though, I appreciate feedback a lot. I know what I like, but it is hard to know for sure with certain photos whether others will find them as interesting or inspiring or “cool” as I do.
I feel the same way when try to gauge what others think. But then I remember Ricky Nelson’s advice. 🙂
Whoa!! At first, I couldn’t imagine what could be “too close“ to a bald eagle. But after scrolling through your entire post, I was blown away by that top shot. Even with a 600 mm lens, getting that clarity – and that wonderful pose, snuggled into the leaves – was a great accomplishment!
Thanks. In fact, it was a challenge to get into a position where the eye was visible and then to be able to keep it in focus–it helped that I was using a monopod for stability.
Interesting to know. When I bought a 150 to 600 lens, I also bought a monopod since it’s so heavy and I like to be mobile. But I still find it all rather cumbersome. You certainly used it to the best advantage getting these shots.