Monday, February 21, 2011

Bald Eagles

The nest through my 400mm zoom


I'd been itching to travel a road never taken and decided yesterday was Road Trip Day. Also, it would be good to take the hubs along as well for it's nice to have a companion when taking adventures. Driving along heading elsewhere a snap decision was made - check out the eagle's nest "just in case" before heading down the road.

Turns out a whole hoard of birders from the North Alabama Birdwatching Society had the same idea. The eagles were out and the chicks, or at least one chick, would occasionally pop their heads up. Originally, there were two eggs in the nest but no one knows if both chicks survived. Or no one in our group did on this day.


Mom - using the 2X converter


I've never seen the like of cameras on tripods, cameras draped from necks, cameras cradled in arms as I've seen this day. While I recognized some of the birders I nestled in next to Bala, whose 500mm lens I covet. (We all do - it's not just me.) Bala had already taken some amazing shots which he proudly showed to me and Bob. Amazing. Simply amazing.


A little fluffing and calling going on here - putting on a show for the photographers

I apologize for the fuzziness of these shots. These were the best ones. The converter doesn't allow auto focus to work so I'm holding my breath, focusing as best I can while steadying on Bob's shoulder. They won't win any prizes nor can these shots hold a candle to Bala's but they're mine

Mom and chick

Eventually, we said our goodbyes to Bala, the eagles and the birders, turned the Yaris around and began our road trip. The road trip was interesting but the eagles were definitely the highlight of the day.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

What fun!

Unknown said...

I love your shots! The one with Mom and chick is awesome. I too covet a longer lens. My 300mm used to satisfy me but for wildlife you need much more! You did a fabulous job with your captures.

Cheers!
Julie
Julie Magers Soulen Photography

Gaelyn said...

Very nice to get out of the house. Great sighting. Love seeing that huge nest and the youngsters head. Very cool!

trav4adventures said...

Isn't it fun to take a road trip? I am just learning to use a tripod that hubby recently bought me and you know, it REALLY does make me slow down and THINK about what I'm looking at! Of course, with wild animals, it probably wouldn't work because they most fast!!! Lovely photos!

Eve said...

So glad to see you all out and about Debi! It's so much fun to hang around the Eagles for sure!

Bo Mackison said...

Amazing. Truly amazing. Oh yes, wouldn't we all love to get our hands on a 500mm! Ha! But you've got some keepers without the heavy duty glass.

Deborah Carr said...

Eagles are always a treat. I watched a juvenile on an icefloe the other day thru my binoculars, too far away for my camera. And it's always fun to join birders. They're such a helpful lot with their cameras and binocs all akimbo. Yea for Road Trips!

Carol said...

Debbi, Your photographs are wonderful. I love seeing the moma looking down on her chick! I have never seen that before. I covet your 400mm zoom! Yes, these are your terrific photographs and you were standing there seeing it all. Great!

Rural Rambler said...

Debi the picture of that eaglet popping up out the nest is something! I bet you were beside yourself to be right there seeing them!

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