Wrapping up my series of slideshows showing my top shots from my past photo year, we move on to my favorite photo subject – bald eagles. Each and every time I get to see one, I can’t help but get excited. These majestic birds really are amazing and I am so happy that their recovery continues with great success. Happy New Year, everyone!
Top Shots 2023 – Raptors
As I do every year, I sit down and pick my personal ‘top 25’ of each of my photo subjects from my previous photo year (Oct – Sept). For the first of these, let’s start with raptors – falcons, hawks and eagles. These impressive masters of the sky oftentimes donate my photography and it is easy to see why.
Nothing under the tree for you this morning? Perhaps you were on the naughty list!
A bit of Photoshop fun with this capture from a couple weeks ago. This gorgeous young female eagle was hanging out in a local open space and was kind enough to give me some fantastic captures. Check out those talons! Wow!
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas – and hope you were good enough that Santa left something under the tree for you.
Bald eagle leaps into action, wings wide open
This past weekend I spent some time with this beautiful raptor as it surveyed the Great Plains of Colorado. Such impressive creatures and this gives you a nice look at that 6+ foot wide wingspan and, of course, those deadly talons. Have a fantastic #FreedomFriday, everyone!
Bald eagle brings home a big stick
Yesterday I made my first visit in months to this nest south of Denver, Colorado. The action was brief, but it was furious and fun.
One of the pair decided it was time to work on some home repairs which, judging by the condition of the nest, are very much needed. After a couple failed attempts, it successfully broke off a big branch from a neighboring tree. It circled the nest to gain some altitude, then the eagle headed for home, going right by its mate.
Here it is seen on final approach, the mate watching to make sure it doesn’t get whacked in the process. 😀
Bald eagle focuses on the landing
Bald eagle focuses on the landing. Gear down. Check. Flaps extended. Check. Landing area clear. Check. Prepare for landing.
Bald eagle season is finally kicking into high gear on the Colorado plains so I am loving it. I took a ton of pics this past weekend of our national emblem and this is one of my favorites. Sure, I would have preferred a natural perch but sometimes you take what you can get.
This eagle and its friend were hanging out and having some friendly disagreements over who got to perch on what pole. One eagle was more dominant than the other, chasing the other off. Here, the subordinate chooses another spot.
It’s the weekend and I am outta here
This gorgeous bald eagle is a pretty accurate representation of me later today when the workday is done. 😀
Taken a couple of weeks ago, I finally had a pretty decent encounter with my favorite photo subject. This handsome fellow was hanging out, keeping watch over the plains on a blue-sky day. It paid me little attention and gave me some nice closeups. When it decided it was done posing, it took flight, giving me a nice sequence of captures.
Have a great weekend and #TGIF!
Lovebirds hanging out on a mild evening
Those clearly are not just any kind of lovebird! 😉
Driving home from work Wednesday, I took my usual roundabout way, hoping to find something worth photographing. Clearly I did. Initially only the male bald eagle was there but after a few minutes, the female arrived and perched right next to him, their two bodies forming a perfect heart! Awesome!
Unfortunately, they were a good ways away so this image is heavily cropped and not good for much else than sharing online but it was cool to see and they look absolutely regal in the late day sun.
Young bald eagle seems curious about the photographer
Well, that is no turkey! ? I am still sorely lacking in finding good opportunities with my favorite photo subjects this season but I am at least seeing more activity from them.
This past weekend, this eagle was one of three hanging out within a quarter mile of each other, seeming to signal that our seasonal visitors are finally arriving. This one took flight away from me but, thankfully, circled right back, seeming to want to check me out.
As you can see, its head is a bit ‘dirty’, those dark feathers indicating this one is about four years old and on the cusp of full adulthood.
Focused bald eagle launches into Freedom Friday
Bald eagle season is off to a slow start for me thus far so going back to January 8th for this capture. I had an absolutely awesome photo outing that day with a wide variety of critters photographed and some great captures made.
As I was wrapping up my excursion and not far from home I came across a pair of eagles hanging out and while it required a hike, I felt it would be worth it. Thankfully, the pair did not disappoint with the female giving me a fantastic flyby, including this one as she ventured off briefly.
Have a great weekend, everyone!