I wasn’t expecting to get close to a Golden Eagle while pulling a camping trailer behind my pickup but that’s exactly what happened early yesterday morning as I was leaving Wayne County on my way home.
1/1000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
As I rounded a bend on top of a hill along a gravel road the bird flushed from a spot on my left near the road and it was carrying what I believe to be a partially consumed rabbit. By the time it landed again on these very dark boulders it had apparently dropped the rabbit. Based on its light yellow eyes I believe this bird to be an adult. It still has prey debris (hair) in its bill and in one of its talons.
After I got my big noisy rig stopped I quickly snapped off a few shots but with the eagle intersecting the dark rocks and bright sky I desperately needed to check the exposure on my camera screen. Doing so only takes about 1 second but I was afraid the eagle would choose that precise moment to take off and I’d miss the lift off.
In the end I had no choice so I quickly glanced at my screen (my exposure was just fine as set).
1/1000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Sure enough, the eagle took off the instant I looked away and by the time I reacquired focus the bird was this far past me.
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
It crested the rock-strewn hill…
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
and disappeared from view soon after passing these boulders.
So Golden Eagles are still my nemesis. I enjoy these shots and think they’re interesting but even though I had good light on the eagle I was too far away for good detail and the bird was flying partially away from me.
Close, but no cigar.
Ron
Note: I’m now home from my camping trip. We left a day early because the few Sandhill Cranes we found were difficult to photograph well, we couldn’t access the Sage Grouse because of snow in the high country, we were just too early for most migrating birds and there was an approaching weather front that promised cloudy conditions.
In bird photography there are no guarantees.
How the heck did I miss THIS? Luckily I’m lousy at deleting stuff and often take a look back!
These are gorgeous shots Ron, and yes, goldens don’t often cooperate with you even in just showing up for their photo session! 😀 It’s all in the quest and the journey. Keeps us focused on the future.
AND, there’s always the next road trip to plan. You don’t have a real job anymore (do you?) and isn’t that one of the joys and perks of being a geezer? You don’t have a real job? LOL!
And yes, Louise Shimmel ROCKS! She’s one of the really special people on this planet. It’s been my delight to know her for the last 20-ish years and watch her center grow and thrive!
No, no “real” job any more, Laura, though bird photography and blogging takes as much time as my teaching career ever did and that’s a lot! I’m lucky in that I’ve loved both “professions” in my life.
Agreed, Louise Shimmel is a class act.
Ron, I wish I could get Golden Eagle photos as nice as these. You mentioned that you cut your trip short because you could not find meny Sandhill Cranes or get close to any. You should come to Anchorage in late May or June; Along the coastal trail you can easily approach sandhills to within about 100 ft. On a number of occasions I have had them come up to about 20 ft. They nest near the trail on Fish Creek.
Still beautiful. Thanks.
Beautiful bird. He does blend in with the rocks. Same coloring. I like the shots of him flying as well. We have Bald Eagles in the rural area not from from me, but we seldom see them. Wonderful Ron!
Thank you, Jean.
As I said to Mia. Oh. Wow.
I suspect there is always a new nemesis to flirt with. When you conquer this one (which you will) another will present itself.
“I suspect there is always a new nemesis to flirt with”
You’re probably right, EC. If I ever conquer this one I’ll likely find another.
#3 is a heart-stopper, a gorgeous composition with exciting life and movement
I’m glad you like it, Linda. Thank you.
Jeeeez, Ron! At least you saw one!!! Just seeing one of these magnificent birds would give me goose bumps and make my day! I love the way the colors of the bird matches the colors of the rocks, the glimpse of that golden mantle, the sleek, refined profile. I consider them the royalty of raptors. I agree that it is a mature bird (eye color, lack of white on tail and body) not a “dirty bird” or wambli gleska (spotted eagle/juvenile). I hope you’ll remember exactly where you took these pictures so you can return and get the shots you’re hoping for. In the meantime, I’m delighted with these….I am
awed by Goldens like no others….
“Jeeeez, Ron! At least you saw one!”
I actually saw about a dozen of them, Patty. Pretty darned lucky in that regard!
Once again Ron, you have taken some nice pictures.The surprise find is always the best. We all wish the picture would be perfect, but sure that is hard to achieve. Seems we are always in car or pickup when those big birds fly by. At least you could stop with out someone coming up behind you and wanting to pass. lol They do fly by pretty fast. Love Eagles and thanks for the pictures.
“At least you could stop with out someone coming up behind you and wanting to pass.”
That’s right, Trudy. I should look on the bright side. I had other potential opportunities with Golden’s on this trip that were thwarted by traffic when I was on paved roads.
Hey Ron – I think that Golden was waiting for you!! You don’t sound happy with the photos you got but Lordy be I LOVE them!! Your 2nd shot is probably my least favorite of the 4 but the 1st one is wonderful to see him/her standing there showing off it’s profile. The last photo is my favorite – I like how the boulders act as a frame for the Golden. Sorry that the trip overall was disappointing for you. I know you will be back on the road again and may Mother Nature flood your viewfinder with wonderful wildlife!!
Thanks, Jo Ann – I think that last photo is also my favorite for the same reason that you and Dave Sparks mention.
In bird photography there are no guarantees. But hope springs eternal in the human breast.
I like the way the body and right wing parallel the rocks in the last one.
And adversity breeds success and builds character, Dave. But I’m already enough of a character so now I’m looking for the success…
I know you’re disappointed but the composition of the last one in particular, plus the whole scheme of color in each is awesome. I used to get all wound up at Conowingo, thinking I’d spotted a golden, but have since resigned myself to realizing they were just juveniles. Still … hope springs eternal!! If those shots were mind, I’d be happy dancing!!!
Ron … maybe next time?? ; )
“maybe next time?”
That’s what I keep telling myself, Lois, but there’s sure been a lot of “next times” over the years that haven’t panned out the way I hoped. I keep telling myself that the quest is part of the fun but I’m reaching the point that I’m less convinced of that…
Magnificent!! Super job!
You just never know what will show up around the bend or down the road, so to speak!
I bet you were high fiving after this one!!
“I bet you were high fiving after this one!!”
Sort of, Dick. But I was also lamenting the fact that I was pulling the trailer. It’s big and intimidating to a bird and it’s very noisy on a gravel road. I think the eagle would have been more cooperative if I hadn’t been pulling it.
Have you thought that maybe the large noisy camper is what allowed you to be close enough for the shot. Sometime quiet noises spooks raptors, at least around here. Whatever the case my heart would be jumping for joy after that experience!!
I doubt it, Dick. I think what allowed me to get close is the eagle didn’t see me coming over the hill. Then when it flew it didn’t go far because of the rabbit. On average over the years I’m convinced that the noisy trailer on gravel or dirt roads spooks birds more than just my pickup.
Such is the life of a bird photographer! 🙂 Good shots, Ron. I too like the 2nd one very much – great show of how it’s color blends into the rocks and yet the contrast with the blue sky. “Progress” – one day you’ll get what you’re after.
“one day you’ll get what you’re after”
I hope you’re right, Judy. On the other hand, having a nemesis species makes life more interesting in some ways…
Nice Ron! I love the second image a lot. Very nice.
Thank you, Ed.
Cascades Raptor Center in Eugene, has the Golden and Bald Eagle close together, so one can see the size difference.
Steven, I’m a big fan of CRC and its director Louise Shimmel. She often comments here and she really knows her stuff. I’ve never visited the center but I surely will next time I’m in the area.
She is the one who told me about you, the center is rustic but 20,000 visitors a year and have had movie stars visit. Please find the time, the staff is the best you will ever find and volunteers, outstanding.
That’s quite an endorsement, Steven. I’ll visit first chance I get.
I think these are wonderful pics Ron and I am happy you got a chance to see one. Very nice Sir!!
Thanks, Zaphir. And you’re exactly right – just SEEING a Golden is a huge treat so I’m really not complaining.