It was cold and breezy yesterday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, but at least the sun was shining. Most of the birds seemed to be hiding, probably trying to stay warm, so I was particularly thrilled when I finally spotted this Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in a tree overhanging the trail on which I was walking.
The eagle appears to have spread its tail feathers a bit to provide some additional warmth for its feet, though I must confess that I have no idea if eagles actually get cold feet. I moved forward slowly, knowing that I would probably spook the eagle, but I needed to pass under the tree in which it was perched. I took the second shot when I was closer to the eagle and it seems pretty apparent that it had spotted me. Sure enough, the eagle took off a few seconds later.
After so much time overseas this past month, it was really nice to get back to the familiar surroundings of “my” wildlife refuge. Unfortunately, a major construction project has closed large sections of my favorite trail that runs along parallel to the water, so I may have to search for a different location to shoot this winter. The good news is that I am blessed to live in an area with a lot of options for wildlife photography. My goal will be to find another location that is remote enough that it is not too crowded—I generally prefer to be by myself when I am experiencing nature.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
It can be frustrating when the time for improvements comes, can’t it? A couple of weekends ago I made a short trip to a little park I’d visited only once, but wanted to return to. No luck — the gates were wired shut, and there was a good bit of road and other construction taking place. I suppose the good news is that we’ll be encouraged to seek out new places.
He has a menacing look, Mike. The one trail where I could see bald eagles is always closed from November 15th until April 15, so as to not let people disturb the eagles. In years when eglets are spotted, they continue to keep about half the trail closed until June. They are working very hard to help the eagles reestablish themselves.
Just as soon as I saw this post, I knew that it was a “save for Benjamin”! The enlarged photos are outstandingly gorgeous captures of this magnificent Bald Eagle. The sky is a lovely shade of blue and the tree itself is quite eye catching too. May I ask, what is the name of this deciduous tree? To my untrained eye it appears that all of the Eagle’s feathers are fluffed out, mayhaps to keep warm. Thank-you, Mr. Mike!
I think the tree is a sweet gum tree. I too noticed that the eagle was a little hunched over and seemed to have fluffed up its feathers a bit. It was somewhere between 25 and 30 degrees and breezy when I took the photo.
Nice pic. Bald eagles alway look so serious. M 🙂
“Serious” is ok. One reader commented that the eagle looked “menacing.” 🙂
Very nice Eagle images Mike! Enjoyed seeing them!
Gorgeous captures, Mike. I hope you find a good replacement area to spend your nature time, and who knows maybe you’ll find something better 🙂 .
Oh such fantastic photos, Mike. The clarity is much appreciated. That feathering pattern in the wings is gorgeous. Brilliant blue sky is a nice backdrop. Cheers, my friend, and many thanks.
Really like the second image – the intensity of the look!
Thanks, Chris. That glare made me realize that the eagle definitely had its eye on me and did not seem very happy that I was there.
This a very nice shot, Mike. Raptors never seem to be very happy to see us. Light is well balanced and it’s sharp as can be. I’m a photographic loner as well.