I spotted this Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in a distant tree on Tuesday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge at about the same time that it spotted me. I reacted quickly and managed to capture this first image as it prepared to take off. As you can see, there is already a bit of color in our autumn foliage, but the colors are relatively muted here in Northern Virginia, compared to what I would see when I was growing up in New England.
The second photo shows the eagle a few seconds after its takeoff as it rose above the trees. At that moment its feet were still dangling, but it raised its “landing gear” shortly after I captured the image.
It has been a while since I last posted eagle photos and it was wonderful to have a couple of sightings of these majestic birds on a beautiful fall day.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Mike, I just returned from s trip to the West, preparing for my upcoming surgery in Bethesda, MD soon, and am so happy to be here and see your magnificent captures of our country’s stunning Eagle! I can imagine the leaves in New England. I love Autumn and seeing those changes makes the pictures even grander! I hope you’re well!
It’s always impressive to see a bald eagle in flight. I like the second shot Michael.
Amazing pictures.
Thanks, Susan. Mostly the shots were the result of quick reflexes and having the approximately right settings already on my camera.
Gorgeous shots! Especially with the fall color.
Thanks, CIndy. The colors, I think, add a whole lot more visual interest to the image than a simple blue sky would have done.
Nice response….lovely action shots