Flying right at me making a lot of noise, this male wanted to make sure I knew it was there. Of course I am not sure how I could possibly miss this massive raptor. I cropped this image into a panorama format which really helps to draw attention the the details – and that huge wingspan.
“Hi, honey! I’m home!”
A male Bald Eagle prepares to make a landing next to its mate in this image for Freedom Friday.
It has been an absolutely joy getting to watch this pair over recent weeks. Most Bald Eagles have left Colorado for the season and headed north. The ones that remain are mostly mated pairs that have seen the arrival of little ones over the past week or two. These two though appear not to have been successful with a nest but have chosen to stick around the Centennial State anyway, at least so far.
I have found them frequently at a state park where they are more than willing to pose and occasionally put on a bit of an airshow. I love the determined look on the male’s face as he comes in for a landing and the image does a nice job showcasing that massive 6-foot-wide wingspan and those impressive talons.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
It’s a boy! Or it’s a girl! Either way I am absolutely ecstatic!
This afternoon I went and checked on the local Bald Eagle nest. Dad was standing watch on the rim and I wasn’t really seeing much but figured there had to be at least one eaglet in there. Finally I saw some movement and in his shadow I see the little bobble head! After a while, Mom returned and as she did, I got a good pic of the tiny raptor. Heavily cropped but isn’t it cute! I can’t wait to watch it grow up!
Bald Eagle brings home sushi for breakfast
After sitting stubbornly for two hours during which the photographer grew more and more bored (haha), this female finally decided it was time for action. She headed off to a nearby pond, snagged a fish from it, and then was kind enough to fly right by me showcasing her meal.
This raptor is one of a pair of eagles that has been hanging out at a local state park and has given me some nice photo ops over the past few weekends. They do appear to be a mated pair however, there is no nest nearby and if there were, they would certainly be hanging out there. I have to assume they were simply unsuccessful at mating this year so are spending their time hanging out in the park.
That moment when the wife comes home and she is not happy at all
That moment when the wife comes home and she is not happy at all. I’m just going to go over here… 😀
This pair of Bald Eagles was quite animated on this day a few weeks ago. I think she was ‘feeling in the mood’ but for whatever reason he wasn’t interested. More than once she would call and come close to him and he would ease his way away. I don’t know. Maybe he had a headache?
Keeping an eye on the sky while in flight
Such a beautiful lady, eh? This female Bald Eagle has become a local resident as she and her mate have established a home along the South Platte River not far from where I live. I took this picture in mid-February as the pair did some home repair and got things ready for a new arrival (or two or three).
Soon after she began sitting on the nest, presumably incubating eggs. When I checked on her earlier this week, she was still sitting on there but by now there should be at least one eaglet beneath her. Dad was nearby perched on a tree overlooking river. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a lot of time to hang around but will definitely be paying another visit soon.
Where the heck did you come from?
It does appear as if this regal eagle was a bit surprised by my appearance. In truth, her and her mate are two of the most tolerant Bald Eagles I have ever encountered. They frequent a suburban park, often choosing to hang out in the trees along the trail. People stop and marvel at them, walk almost right up to their roost, and they never care, largely ignoring the bipedal creatures below. This was taken just over a month ago. Soon after, she began occupying their nest and with any luck it won’t be long before eaglets come along.
Bald Eagle makes a head-on launch
Showcasing its impressive six-foot wide wingspan, a Bald Eagle takes flight as departs on a fishing trip. I was watching this handsome fellow and his bride for quite some time as they calmly surveyed the domain below them. Action was negligible and I was about to call it a day when suddenly there was a flurry of activity. Both decided it was a good time to go fishing in a nearby pond and I was lucky enough to capture the male as he launched. The shot really gives a good look at the raptor’s impressive wingspan and those deadly talons.
Relaxed Bald Eagle shows off one of its weapons
The talons on these creatures are nothing short of impressive. Getting a close look at them helps you understand why they are so effective – and deadly. When they are relaxed, eagles oftentimes will hold on to their perch with one talon then lift the other up and tuck it inside their feathers. Such was the case with this guy last month which is why you only see one. He didn’t give a hoot about me being there and was quite content and relaxed.
Bald Eagles are believed to have a grasp capable of exerting an astonishing 400psi. By comparison, the average human’s hand comes in around 20psi. Needless to say, when an eagle latches on to a rabbit, prairie dog or fish, the prey isn’t very likely to get away.
Fantastic flyby for Freedom Friday
Last weekend I was observing this beautiful lady and her mate. Things were awfully quiet for the longest time as for the most part they sat still but then they decided to try fishing in a nearby pond. Neither was successful but the female gave this absolutely fantastic sequence of her as she approached and then flew by.
This is probably one of my best in-flight Bald Eagle pics I have ever captured. The light was just about perfect and coming from the right direction as she approached and flew by. Focus is pretty much spot on showcasing the beautiful detail in the bird’s plumage. A whispy streak of clouds help to just ever so slightly break up the solid blue Colorado skies.
Have a great weekend!