Bald Eagle

Bald Eagles

I don't know if it's really possible to truly appreciate these birds without seeing them outside in the wild.  Growing up I loved seeing them in zoos, and I've been very close to them at bird rehabilitation centers where I've been able to get a sense of just how large these birds are.  But these experiences do not do justice to seeing them paired, soaring in the sky almost in unison, or swooping down to grab a fish out of the water, or for that matter, chasing another eagle with a catch to steal it from him.

Bald Eagles

Bald Eagle
I was at first disappointed that I couldn't get my camera to focus on the eagle before it passed me,
but then it looked back, I guess to check on its fish, and that made my day

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagles

Bald Eagles are directly responsible (in part) for starting my fascination with wildlife and bird photography.  A friend of mine used to take me to Conowingo Dam in Maryland, which is a great place to photograph eagles, especially in November.  Here's some of my early bird photos.

Bald Eagles
The first immature dropped this fish to avoid a fight

Bald Eagles
The second immature eagle made away with the fish

Bald Eagles
all tangled up

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle
from my first day photographing eagles