Leaping from a tree

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Leaping from a tree

December 30, 2023 by Mike Powell

I could sense that this Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was preparing to take off and captured this image last Friday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge right after it had taken a leap from the tree. I was hoping that the eagle would fly upwards and give me a chance at getting some more in-flight shots, but the eagle flew downwards and away from me.

Posted in Birds, Nature, Photography, wildlife, Winter | Tagged Bald Eagle, Bald Eagle in flight, Canon 7D, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Tamron 150-600mm, Woodbridge VA | 12 Comments

12 Responses

on December 30, 2023 at 12:43 pm | Reply Armann and Kaymann

Beautiful picture
- on December 30, 2023 at 7:06 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks.
on December 30, 2023 at 3:16 pm | Reply Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography

Wow, excellent 👏👏👏
- on December 30, 2023 at 7:07 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Ted. Static shots are good, but I get really excited when I manage to capture action like this.
on December 30, 2023 at 4:01 pm | Reply Laura (PA Pict)

Fabulous action shot!
- on December 30, 2023 at 7:06 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Laura.
on December 30, 2023 at 5:39 pm | Reply Birder's Journey

Great timing, Mike. If only we could predict 100% which direction they’re going to go. ☺️
- on December 30, 2023 at 6:41 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks. I sometimes feel like a goalie for a penalty shot in soccer who often has to predict where the shooter will be kicking the ball in order to stop the ball. The advantage lies with the shooter (or the eagle) who will have a high rate of success if he avoids signaling his intentions. 🙂
  - on December 30, 2023 at 6:59 pm Birder's Journey
    
    lol… well said!
on December 31, 2023 at 3:18 am | Reply Ms. Liz

What a bird! We’re only a few hours away from launching into 2024, 9.18pm here. Best wishes for the new year when your turn comes 🙂
- on January 1, 2024 at 8:49 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Happy New Year, Liz! Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2024 for you and for Nigel.
on January 20, 2024 at 12:05 am | Reply vermavkv

Beautiful