I encountered this eagle two weeks ago in the Promontory Mountains of northern Utah.
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 400, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
It had recently taken off from a large boulder but by the time this image was taken the bird had its legs tucked and was in full flight. I like the position of the right wing, the tilt of the tail that gives us a look at its underside and the rabbitbrush, sagebrush and sunflowers in the setting. The eagle is slightly past me but I can live with that.
Based largely on the white “window” or wing patch I believe the bird to be a juvenile.
It was one of three Golden Eagles in the same area and they hung out together for some time so I suspect they were a family unit since young birds remain with their parents for up to 6 months after fledging.
Ron
Hi Ron, I am a little late in seeing this but I just had to say thank you for this shot. Goldens just take my breath away. The shot is fabulous and wish I could see more of them here on Long Island. Good catch. Dianne
Marvelous shot Ron!
Charlotte
Gorgeous!
Thank you so much.
We need that beauty, that majesty, that dignity.
And are not getting it from our own species.
Good point, EC. Agreed.
Beautiful shot Ron! I’ve seen a Golden Eagle twice in my life, once in Vermont and once in Montana and each time didn’t have my camera handy! But, each time my heart was pounding!!
Other then the Gyr Falcon, I feel the Golden is the ultimate predator, but I’m biased toward the Gyr!
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Dick. Both species are spectacular in their own way – no question!
Both the golden and the gyrfalcon/gyrkin are at the top of the food chain, but even a Kestrel will tell you they’re at the top 🙂
SPLENDID! There is so much magic in golden eagles. While living in Denver and Wyoming, I delighted in heading up into the mountains where I could see one almost every time, if only a glimpse of one flying through the peaks. They make my heart sing–they are just so beautiful!
I can’t imagine seeing over 100 in a single day, either, but then again, that whole migration thing where there are hundreds in the sky at one time boggles my mind, too. While I might be easily boggled, that’s still something that’s beyond imagination!
And thank you for providing a much-needed escape from the crap going on among humans! They’re just so far above that–no pun intended (but there it is).
Thanks, Laura. The pun may not have been intended but it was appreciated…
What a gorgeous, gorgeous image!!! Perfect! The bird, the wing patch, the curving arch of the rabbitbrush,the harmony of colors….BEAUTIFUL!!! What a gift to see something so besutiful and moving (in more ways than one!)!especially when there’s so much ugliness going on . Thank you!
Thanks very much, Patty.
I know what you mean. I get most of my news online so I’m constantly switching back and forth between beautiful birds and the ugliness of the political scene. The contrast is startling.
I really like the view of the under side of the tail – I didn’t realize there was a color pattern there. Supposedly these bird winter in our area, but I have yet to see one. Maybe this year?…
I hope you see one, Susan. It was a real treat for me to see three goldens at the same time on the morning I took this photo.
The color pattern on the tail indicates that this is a first year bird.
Beautiful shot! The trio we’ve had around here – on obviously a Juvenile wanting to be fed – have been too far away for my 120-400! Background is VERY suitable for this eagle and detail is great. 🙂
Thanks, Judy. I like this setting for a Golden Eagle too.
I just saw on Facebook that one of the Montana Golden Eagle migration surveys saw 101 Golden Eagles yesterday. I can’t imagine seeing that many goldens in a single day!
Nirvana!!!
Me either! 🙂
Wow! I can’t even imagine that sort of good fortune. Goldens are among my very favorite animal species. I love the composition, Ron. The space in front of this juvenile gives me a sense of hope for the future
Very nice.
Thanks, Trudy.