A Bald Eagle ensures it has a good grip on its prairie dog breakfast as it flies off. Taken in Adams County, Colorado yesterday.
Christmas Eve Portrait of a Bald Eagle
A belated Freedom Friday posting due to the holiday. With family in town for the holidays, we took them for a tour of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge on Christmas Eve morning.
For the most part, the sights were pretty standard fare – up until we were approaching the gate to leave.
This gorgeous Bald Eagle was perched in one of the trees at the entrance and allowed me to get some fantastic captures, including some very nice close ups like this one.
There are lots of eagles at the refuge this time of year but they tend to stay in the areas where people aren’t allowed. Thankfully this one made an exception for us.
Bald Eagle showcases classic form, impressive talons
Yesterday ended just about perfectly as I spotted this gorgeous raptor on my way home. Even better, it put on quite a show alternating between posing for pictures, flying around and then returning to roost.
These are a few pics of the eagle when it paused and took a break. It was absolutely regal. Probably one of my favorite parts of these images are the impressive view of those massive, deadly talons.
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.
Taken in Adams County, Colorado.
Bald Eagle silhouetted by the late day sun
Well this sure made for a fine way to end the work day. 🙂
Bald Eagle takes Freedom Friday head on
Sometimes I just get lucky in encountering my favorite animal and such was the case on October 28. I went for a random drive after work not far from my house and lucked out finding a pair of eagles hanging out between a road and the South Platte River.
The pair put on one heck of a show. Initially they sat and posed but then got active and put on an awesome aerial show.
Here, the female is seen as she circles near the tree where her mate was. Lighting was a bit tough as it was late in the day but I was excited to have the opportunity.
I do suspect this pair is attempting to establish a nest in the area although if it is where I think it is, it is out of reach so photo opportunities will be limited. Nevertheless, it is exciting to think about the possibilities.
“What’s going on down there?”
Cold and gray today made for tough shooting conditions and I am less enthused with my take of images. At least partially salvaging the day was my friend, Charlie, who is always willing to pose. Today he (or she) was unusually interested in me. Perhaps wondering if I could be breakfast? 😉
The lovebirds
A pair of Bald Eagles enjoys each others company last month in Adams County, Colorado. There is a very large nest nearby that in at least the two years I have been aware of it has not been used. This pair however has been seen regularly in the area over the last couple of months so I am hoping they are planning on making use of it.
Juvenile Bald Eagle takes the leap for Freedom Friday
A bit of a different angle on this young Bald Eagle’s launch but one that I kind of like.
Watching one of these massive raptors take flight is an incredible experience. You can’t appreciate the intricacy and gracefulness of their motion as they launch themselves into the air. Sometimes, as is the case here, they leap almost straight up while simultaneously spreading their wings.
This image also showcases the eagle’s talons, one part you would not want to be on the wrong end of. Have a great weekend and TGIF!
A good day for a Bald Eagle, not so much for a Prairie Dog
Bald Eagle performs a perfect ‘dash and dine.’ I was observing two young eagles perform some aerial play low to the ground when suddenly one broke away and dived. Without missing a beat, it snatched something off the ground and took off in the other direction. As it did, I could see it had grabbed a Prairie Dog.
It proceeded to land on a nearby pole where the young eagle spent almost an hour devouring its catch. As you can see, this bird has been banded at some point previously. I am going to have to sit down with my pictures and see if I can get enough numbers off of the bands to report it. It is always interesting to learn the history of where they came from.
Taken on Friday, December 4, 2015 in Adams County, Colorado. Scroll down to view the complete series.
Sunrise bathes Bald Eagle in golden light
This eagle was hanging out in Longmont, Colorado on Halloween morning. It and I sat, watching the sun as it slowly crept above the horizon. I could tell it was getting antsy and wanting to take flight so I was hoping it would wait at least long enough for the sun to rise above the horizon. Thankfully it did so and the warm, orange color covered the entire landscape just as it took flight. It was absolutely resplendent in the colored light as it flew off.