I got involved in a little staring contest with a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) last Friday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. I moved slowly and deliberately to get some photos and then departed silently, leaving the eagle in peace on its perch.
Most of the time my first indication that there is an eagle in the area is when it takes off in response to my presence. In this case, however, the eagle looked right at me and seemed to decide that I did not represent a threat, so it stayed in place.
I like that kind of peaceful coexistence.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 