This majestic Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was almost hidden in the foliage when I spotted it on Wednesday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. If the eagle’s head had not been so bright white in color, I might not have noticed it at all. At this time of the year, when I often can hear the birds, but cannot see them, it is always a challenge for me to photograph birds.
To mark the change of the seasons, I have switched over to walking around with my Tamron 150-600mm telephoto zoom lens affixed to my camera, a recognition that I am as likely to encounter birds as insects. I am still, however, carrying my 180mm macro lens in my backpack, in case I run into the right kind of shooting situation with an insects or other small creatures.
Initially the eagle had its head almost completely buried in the leaves, as you can see in the first photo. I gradually noticed, though, that the eagle was moving its head around a bit and I was able to capture some images that show a bit more of the eagle’s face. I changed my body position slightly as I watched and waited, but tried to minimize my movements for fear of spooking the eagle.
It has been quite a while since I last featured Bald Eagles in a posting, and I am excited at the prospect of seeing them more regularly. If so, you are sure to see the results here, because, as I have said on multiple occasions, any day in which I see a Bald Eagle is a good day and getting good shots is real bonus.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Very nice Mike! Any day you can photograph a Bald Eagle is a Great Day😊
Amen to that, Reed!!
Wauw and so close….
I was shooting at the long end of my 150-600mm telephoto zoom lens, so was not quite as close as it may seem. Still, I am thrilled when I manage to get relatively close to an eagle, since I know that their vision is much better and their reaction time much quicker than my own.
It hardly seems time for that lens switch, yet the calendar says it is so. We are still seeing some dragonflies, but fewer each time I get out.
The peek-a-boo probably wasn’t the shot you wanted but I like that first one especially — just a bit different with his eye between the leaves. Soon the leaves will be dropping and you’ll have some better opportunities!
Summer has not completely given up its hold here–it was in the 80’s and humid yesterday–but we are starting to have more and more days in the 70’s. I too am seeing a drop in the number of dragonflies, but am happy to see that some hardy ones are hanging on.
Nor here, Mike…I think we’ve left the 90s. I’m happy we have ample rain but would really enjoy a few days of dry, crisper air.
I’ll send some of our weather southward. I somehow feel more motivated to go outside when the days are cooler and there is less humidity.
Thanks, we are ready!