The last time that I posted a photo of this Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) couple, they were sitting apart on the platform that is sometimes used by ospreys during nesting season at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. When I spotted them last week, they had moved much closer together and were perched on the small surface at the top of the post. Is love in the air?
The tree in which these eagles generally nest is not very far away. Part of their rather small nest there seems to have disappeared over the last year, perhaps as a result of a fallen branch, and it will be interesting to see if they will rebuild the nest at the same location.
As I was observing the eagles, I realized that I had never provided you with an overall view of this preferred platform, so I zoomed back and captured the second image below. As you can readily see, the platform is quite tall and I believe that the eagles like the commanding view from their perch, a view that includes the tree in which their nest is located.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Beautiful pair.
Your photos also illustrate how far you zoom in to capture images.
Indeed they do, Laura. I often crop in a bit to try to bring in the subject a bit closer. Like most wildlife photographers, I am always wishing that my lens was just a little bit longer or that I could move a tiny bit closer. 🙂
Knowing how large and heavy zoom lenses are, I am even more impressed with how sharp and clean your photographs are. You are clearly an expert at keeping everything stable and steady.
Thanks, Laura. I used to shoot handheld most of the time, but have taken to keeping a monopod attached to my camera most of the time when using my telephoto zoom lens. I think it helps with sharpness and only rarely does it inhibit my shooting. A tripod would be much more of a hindrance. The only thing I have to be careful about is banging into people, because I walk most often with the tripod extended across the trail. For macro work like photographing dragonflies, I tend to ditch the monopod.
Nice shots of a happy couple. So great to have them nearby to observe them.
I want to add the caption, “I think he can still see us. Find a taller perch.”
Great photo, Mike.
🙂
What a thrill it must be for you to have this pair residing in your nearby park. I can imagine there isn’t a day when your heart doesn’t lift at this sight. Your photos are so crystal clear, Mike, and it was fun to see the zoomed-in version as well as the setting.
Great to get the perspective, Mike. The eagles are indeed perched very high up!
They do look like a happy couple☺️. Good idea about going back to second shot, Mike! It really lends a fascinating perspective to the whole scene.
Quite the airy aerie.
Although eagles were successfully reintroduced in the Quabbin watershed I rarely see them. It must be nice to have them so readily visible to enjoy and photograph.
It is awesome, Steve. The eagles seem to be thriving along the Potomac River and the surrounding area. Although I see them pretty regularly, I feel a thrill of excitement every time that I spot one.
Great perspective with that second image, Mike. They sure like the high perches and I’m sure know everything going on around them for miles. Here’s hoping they have a successful breeding season.
Love your hope for love in the air for the New Year!
It’s getting to be that time of the year for eagles. I am always excited by the prospect of new life.