It was early in the morning when I spotted this Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) on Tuesday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Utterly fascinated, I watched the eagle methodically preening, moving from one area of its body to another, adjusting the feathers and removing some small wispy ones. When you are a national symbol, I guess you have to try to look majestic at all times.
This particular eagle was pretty relaxed and I managed to walk almost underneath the overhanging branch without disturbing it. If you look carefully at the final photo, you can tell that I was shooting almost straight up in order to get the shot. Remarkably the eagle remained in place when I continued on my way down the trail. I would like to be able to claim that I was really stealthy in my movements, but I think it was more likely that the eagle was simply willing to tolerate my presence, of which he was undoubtedly aware.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Very nice series of Eagle images Mike! Enjoyed seeing them!
Great shots! I’ve also had hawks stay perched as I’ve walked right up and almost under them. My theory (which may be wildly incorrect) is that a recently fed hawk is far more content to sit and preen or sunbathe than a hawk that is on the hunt for food or for a mate.
woo-hoo! What a marvelous adventure you had with this bald eagle, Mike. How fortunate you were that the eagle let you stay, and I have no doubts that you were stealthy, as well. I like how the preening has stirred up this individual’s feathers, and I love seeing the claws. These words made me smile: “When you are a national symbol, I guess you have to try to look majestic at all times.” A great pleasure here, Mike, thank you.
Beautiful details – I’m drawn to the claws (talons?) And the expression in the middle photo – as if teasing you to come a little closer!
Great photos, Mike. That first one clearly says he knows your there.
Awesome! Especially the last one.
It’s talons are amazing!
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