I’ve been rooting around in my archives again.
1/2000, f/8, ISO 500, Canon 40D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed this adult Bald Eagle waaaaay back on Feb. 2, 2009 as the bird came in to land on the bank of a pond at Farmington Bay WMA. I like those dangling yellow feet, the eagle’s intense look of concentration on the task before it and the way the primary flight feathers of the right wing are at a completely different angle than that of the secondaries, which is evidence of the incredible control birds in flight have over their feathers.
I also note the partially extended alula on that right wing. For some reason I don’t see, or at least notice, the alulae (bastard wings) on eagles very often.
If this image looks just a little familiar to regular readers it’s because in the past I’ve posted several other images of this eagle as it approached its landing. It was a very good bird for me…
Ron
Beautiful shot Ron. I like the determined look in its eyes.
Again, just lovely (string of superlatives go here). Now, go get that shot with a golden eagle. HEHEHE! Yeah, I know I’m being ornery today and that Karma works and all that! 😉
Laura, I’d kill (almost…) to get a shot similar to this of a Golden Eagle!
Yeah, I know Ron–and with perfect lighting, too. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?
I would completely plotz if you pulled off this shot with a Golden!!!!! I’m pretty awe-struck with the shot as it is!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, your post today, Ron!! What a magnificent Bald Eagle and that amazing glare from those eyes!! You made my day, Ron – Thank You!!!
Good to know I made your day, Jo Ann. Thanks.
Oooh. And ahhh.
Majesty, grace, power and style.
And a miracle of evolution.
Thanks, EC.
Awesome photo! Anxiously awaiting new raptor photos. John
I nope new raptor photos are on the near horizon, John – but first these clouds have to clear out and then I have to find some of them. For me they’ve been scarce lately.
That bird has pretty long pants…thought they had shirter ines than the Goldens…
And you are right. With a bird as majestic as this it would be wrong to describe his pants as britches. Tempting, but wrong.
Britches works for me, no matter how majestic…
This shot also shows off the bird’s britches well. It has never occurred to me that birds would have a lot of control over their feathers. I learn something new every day from you. Thank you for that.
Susan, A few days ago I was watching through my lens as some geese were coming in for a landing and I think my jaw actually dropped as I noticed how much control they have over many of their flight feathers. Pretty darned amazing!
Gorgeous photo and gorgeous bird, Ron! 🙂 -23 with breeze this morning 🙁 Not fit for man nor beast!
I remember those conditions from when I lived in MT, Judy. That’s part of the reason I ended up in Utah as an adult. But the rest of the year in MT certainly makes up for the price one pays in winter, IMO.
Great photograph!
That eagle sure is a big bird! I read in Golden Books: Birds of North America that bald eagles have a slightly larger wingspan than goldens, but it seems like goldens are a little bulkier. Maybe it has to do with that bald eagles usually fish or scavenge and goldens mostly carry off mammals?
I’ve only ever seen two eagles (one bald and one golden) and they were both really beautiful.
Wow, you’re up early for a west coast boy, Levi. Good for you!
You’re right about the two comparisons between Goldens and Balds, though I’ve seen slightly varying statistics. I hope you get to see more eagles soon, of both species.
Thanks! I’m an early bird by nature, and morning’s my favorite time of day. Woke up at 4 am today, but that owes itself to my current sickness (and also the fact that today’s the first day of winter break. I can sleep in on a school day, but never on the weekend). Odd that I’m sick though, as you could count the number of times I’ve been sick in my life on one hand.
By the way, are people on the West Coast known for getting up later than most people? 😉
Not by the clock but they are in absolute time, Levi – just by nature of the time zones.
Great image Ron. I remember reading an article you posted awhile on the alula. Do you know what purpose it serves? I forgot… it seems to be related to low speed flight when the bird is landing. Thanks!
Thank you, Ed.
The function of the alula is similar to that of the slats on the wings of aircraft – to increase the angle of attack of the wing and produce lift, thus helping to prevent a stall during slow flight.
There’s more here if you’re interested:
https://www.featheredphotography.com/blog/2015/11/16/american-kestrel-an-unusual-view-of-the-alulae-bastard-wings/
Great, thanks for the explanation Ron. I will re-read your earlier post too, which opened my eyes to the alula originally.
🙂
What an awesome shot Ron!
charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
Very nice shot Ron!
You must be in the deep freeze. It has been VERY cold here and we are just beginning to get snow!
This weather certainly cuts down on the chance to have a relationship with the Avian hierarchy.
Thanks, Dick.
It’s cold enough for me, that’s for sure – right now it’s +23 F and the low tomorrow is supposed to be +15. We had hellacious winds and snow yesterday. The cold won’t stop me from photographing birds but the lack of light sure will. We’re supposed to get some sun starting tomorrow so maybe I can get out then…
Keep yourself warm, Ron!! As long as you have these wonderful archived photos to share with us, you shouldn’t need to face those blustery elements!!
Fantastic capture!
I’m glad you like it, Jerilyn. Thank you.