Just this morning I was thinking how most of my favourite wildlife shots were taken four or five years ago. I wondered what had changed. Granted, I'm not getting out as much these days, but I also realized that I used to really work for my wildlife encounters. Climbing, hiking, biking, hiding in the reeds for hours, while fending of mosquitoes, poison ivy and red ants - and it paid off with some interesting wildlife captures that told a story and always evoke great memories.
So I decided I was getting out today - really getting out - and I did just that. I went off the beaten path and in doing so saw some of the most beautiful little birds and some great egret/heron activity from a "behind the scenes" vantage point.
I would have been thrilled with just that, but little did I know that my re-engagement with nature was going to pay off in a once-in-a-lifetime way. While walking through the woods, something caught my eye to my left. It was large and dark. A coyote, I thought! Finally! I lifted my camera and to my shock I saw this creature lumbering and maneuvering the forest floor in a very un-dog-like fashion.
It was not a coyote but a young Bald Eagle! It was hunting in the forest near the shore. I assume it was taking a break along the migration trail. I was speechless!
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| The moment when I first spotted the Eagle. What a surprise (for both of us!) |
I tried to melt myself back into the forest so that I wouldn't spook him. At first he walked away from me, then turned and sized me up, deciding I was no challenge to him. He went about his business.
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This was shot while lying on the side of a small cliff so that I was out of his way.
It's been a while since I've done that kind of climbing,- its amazing what you can do when motivated! |
I spent the most amazing two hours of my life lying on the forest floor photographing him while he was perched on a tree root. All of these photos are full frame (at 420 mm), and for once I wished I'd brought a smaller lens so that I could get all of him in the shot.
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| Warning a little critter that was rustling nearby. |
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| I love the feathers on the back of his head. |
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| Incredible talons. |
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| Nature at its finest. |
The lighting conditions were poor, but thanks to high ISO I was happy with many of the shots I got today and know that I will look at them for years to come, remembering the day that I shared the forest with a Bald Eagle.
