As I was wandering the trails early last week at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, I was fortunate to spot this Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) perched in a tree, almost hidden amongst the leaves. I would like to think that my stealthiness permitted me to get close to the eagle, but suspect instead that the eagle was comfortable in its perch and simply did not view me as a threat.
The eagle moved its head from side to side a bit and glanced down at me occasionally, but stayed in place as I took some shots. The trail took me past the tree in which the eagle was perched and after I had passed underneath the eagle, I glanced over my shoulder and was pleasantly surprised to see the eagle was still there. I love it when I am able to capture my images without disturbing my wildlife subjects, though most of the time they are so skittish that they move away as soon as they detect my presence.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Always nice to catch an Eagle. 😃. Good shots in the usual hard to see places they land.
Thanks, Ted. Quite often my first indication that an eagle is around is when I see it flying away. Eagles have much better sight than I do and quicker reflexes too, so I have to be awfully lucky to get within range for shots like these.
😂😂, don’t we all 🤣
Beautiful capture Mike!
Thanks, Suzette.
Always a delight to see your sharings, Mike. Have a great day.
Very nice Mike! Always fun to photograph Eagles!
Incredible photos. We occasionally see bald eagles by the riverbank in our city but they are usually in-flight so it’s hard to get a picture.
Great shots!
Your Eagle images are always beautiful, Mike, but these are especially so. It is always special when a wild creature allows you to get close and is not disturbed by your presence.
Beautifully captured! The eagle seems very royal to me!
Thanks so much. I agree–there is something really majestic about the appearance of a Bald Eagle.
Absolutely!
Great photo, Mike. I’m always amazed that they can get themselves into those spaces.
A regal eagle!
Nice word choice, Nina–a perfect match. 🙂
I really like the framing with the leaves, just a hint that some fall drooping has occurred. Nice to have him stay put for you to pass on by.
Thanks, Ellen. I never know for sure when one of my wild subjects will be skittish and when they will tolerate my presence. So I generally try to be stealthy and minimize my movements. moving slowly when I do need to change positions.
So true, and good luck on the stealth thing! I always assume they know I’m there, but occasionally get a surprise.
the keenness of this eagle’s mind and thru his/her eyes is in his/her knowing you are not a threat and he/she is likely as interested in watching/admiring you as you are in him/her … he/she senses you are not being invasive, only curious and respectful …