This Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) definitely did not seem to be thrilled with my presence last week at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Despite its looks of disapproval, though, it remained in place for our little portrait session and was still perched when I continued down the trail.
You never know how wildlife will react when they detect your presence. Most often they will crawl, swim, or fly away immediately, because they perceive you as a predator. Occasionally, particularly when they are young, they will look back at you with a mixture of wonder and may even come a little closer. On rare occasions, you seem to come to a silent agreement with your subject to peacefully coexist.
Generally I photograph wildlife subjects from a good distance away (with the notable exception of insects that I like to photograph at close range) and try not to spook them. Sometimes, though, you just can’t help it. This eagle was perched on some branches overhanging the trail that I had to use to get back to where my car was parked—I had to pass right under the perched eagle.
I tried to move slowly and stealthily, but I knew from past experience that an eagle’s eyesight is much keener than mine and its reaction time much quicker—there was no way I was going to pass by unnoticed. As you can undoubtedly tell, I took these shots shooting upwards from almost directly below the eagle. I made small adjustments to my position as I tried to frame the eagle through the branches, but I did not want to scare away the eagle.
As I departed, I was really happy with the encounter and the fact that the eagle was able to retain its chosen spot. The eagle, for its part, was probably equally happy to return to basking in the warmth of the winter sun after being momentarily disturbed by a pesky photographer.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Kiki yeah😊😊😊it’s even good and the words too click ✌️❤️
I enjoyed hearing about your exchange with the bald eagle, Mike, and this trio of photos is magnificent.
Thanks, Jet. I wasn’t sure what I was going to say when I sat down this morning. I had decided on a title and had selected the images, but did not know what I wanted to say beyond that. Then I started writing. I assume that you have a more organized approach that that for your writing, Jet, but for a blog posting I prefer to let my mind wander. Most of the time I am happy with the results, thought I must confess that I am sometimes quite amused when I look back and see the meandering path that my prose took. 🙂
Considering your fabulous shots, I’m glad the eagle was patient with you and didn’t consider you too much of a threat.
Thanks, Tina. It is always a challenge to try to figure out how a wild creature will react. Come to think of it, it is often hard to figure out how humans will react to something we do. 🙂
A realy penetrating look…
Indeed. “Penetrating” is a great descriptor to choose.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Wonderful series of Eagle photographs, Mike!
I believe you may have mis-interpreted the Eagle’s look. She was using her most excellent visual acuity to measure you and determine if you would be too heavy to carry to her nearby nest. It’s a common error.
Be careful out there!
I like your explanation, Wally. It provides a good excuse why I should not try to lose any weight. 🙂
Mike your post today triggered a memory. A recent memory. We have a few bald eagles nearby in our metro park. Odds of seeing them even in the park are very low. Once in a while we will see one high over head coming and going from the park. Yesterday in the midst of clearing my elderly neighbor’s drive I looked up and there was an eagle. It was flying at utility pole height right down our street headed back to the metro park. It was quite the sight for a post storm day. Love those shots of your eagle perched overhead. Quite amazing that it was in patient mood to be photographed. Those moments don’t come often and they are to be enjoyed.
Thanks, John. I am blessed to live in an area where there are a pretty good number of bald eagles–they can be found in several spots along the Potomac River. Even though I see them fairly often, it is always a thrill to spot one.
I would love to know what they ‘think’ of us … strange humans!
I often have that same question too, Eliza. I am guilty of anthropomorphism a lot–it would be amazing to understand the perceptions of the wild creatures that surround us and what motivates them to do what they do.
He/she doesn’t definitely look somewhat annoyed with you!