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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Eagle Scout

As I have commented on many of your blogs, we have really been outside a lot over the last few weeks, enjoying the last bit of warm weather here in the U.P. before the cool days of autumn really get here.

We have tried to go out on our lake on our boat every day, at least for a little while.

We have 2 or 3 eagles that live on our lake. Two immature eagles and one bald headed eagle adult.

Through riding around so much, we have found some of their favorite perching sites and I am thrilled to take as many pictures of them as I can.

I think the adult bald eagle is getting pretty used to me by now. He usually stays perched in the tree and waits for me to click off many pictures and doesn't fly away anymore. He even whistled a bit at us the last time we came by him, as if to say hello.

They usually sit way high, on the highest tree possible in the places they like on the lake. One island in particular has a dead tree they like and the other favorite spot is a tall pine tree by one of our favorite fishing spots.


Here he is in the setting sun one night on the bare tree:


Just look at those piercing eyes and sharp beak!:


Here he is saying: "Oh, you guys AGAIN?":



"Would you like my regal profile this time?":




"I think I will ignore you. Maybe you will go away?":





This night he peeked over the branches at us as we drove by:



It is rare that we are quiet enough to catch him napping:


I don't know why, but on this day, we saw him with fuzzy feathers stuck on his beak and below his beak. Maybe he had a snack of another bird?:





Bored with several pictures in a row, he tucked his beak in his chest and went back to napping again:

I am glad he isn't upset with me taking so many pictures of him.

Because, you know me.

I will be back.

Taking more....

20 comments:

Alan Burnett said...

What enormous birds. How on earth do they manage to fly?

Bernie said...

Love these beautiful, clear shots of your favorite eagle, you know I think they are very lucky to be photographed by such a talented lady who knows exactly how to show them at their best....:-) Hugs

Jientje said...

He trusts you so much he just dozes off! LOL! The one with the feathers on his beak is absolutely stunning.

Brian Miller said...

nice pics. i have never seen a bald eagle out of captivity. we used to have an aviary shelter where they took care of hurt animals...there was one there, but he would never fly again. regal is a great word to describe them.

Unknown said...

Those are wonderful shots! Maybe he had been in a fight with a feathered foe?

Shelley said...

I always feel like it's a miracle when I see an eagle! Great shots!

P.S. I'm so upset your gift didn't make it to you! Knew I should've sent it priority!!! Please email me your address again if you don't mind - shelleyupnorth at gmail dot com. This time I'm putting a tracker on it!!!

P.S. The hubby & I are thinking about taking a day trip to the UP in Oct. I'm hoping I can meet up w/ you! :-)

Unknown said...

What great shots! I can't believe he actually poses for you!

rainfield61 said...

That eagle got to bored with you, it fell into asleep.

Wanda..... said...

Joan...I've never seen photos of an Eagle napping...you have rare shots I think...so appreciate of seeing them...even his fuzzy face ones!

SquirrelQueen said...

He is a very handsome fellow and does not seem to mind your being there at all. I love all the photos but especially the ones of him napping. I've seen many eagles but I've never caught one asleep.

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

It's nice that he stays and waits for you to take his picture. You are so lucky to be able to see them on a regular basis.

The Retired One said...

Alan: Oh, they are sooo gorgeous when they fly...large, large wingspans and they just soar and soar. Unfortunately, I can never zero in on them when they are flying with my camera. Would love to catch that shot!

Bernie: Believe me, I am the lucky one. Even though we see them alot, I still get so excited when we spot them and I can take more photos of them.

Jientje: I have been so lucky this summer to catch them so relaxed. Usually they are very shy and nervous of humans.

Brian: I consider myself blessed to have been able to see them so many times this summer.

Eva: Believe me, if he was in a fight, he would win. They are huge and very predatory.

Shelley: I know. I always am thrilled to catch an eagle to take a photo of, so this summer has been exceptional for me to get so many opportunities for photos of them. I am so bummed about not getting your gift. I sent you a separate email with my address again today. You are so sweet to send me something!!
I can't wait to meet you! Make SURE you give me some warning as to the dates you are up here so I clear my calendar. You guys should consider staying a night with us here on the lake!!?? I could take you out to see the eagles if it isn't too cold and we still have our boat in the water!

Eva: I don't know if he is posing FOR me but he does stand still and tolerate me. ha

Rainfield: He probably was bored, but probably just decided that he was going to ignore the pest pointing some box up at him continually and clicking.

Wanda: I know! The last time I was out there he did that and it was the first time he napped when we were there. He must have figured out that the nut with the camera who is out there all the time by him is really no threat.

SquirrelQueen: Me neither, until now. I don't know if I will again, either. Maybe he had a hangover. ha

Catherine: I know I am lucky. Every time I see him I am just as thrilled as the first times. They are awesome birds and so beautiful.

Judy said...

These are just wonderful shots of this majestic bird. You are so lucky to be able to get that close and photograph him. It is amazing that he lets you get that close to him.

ashley folkema said...

Such beautiful birds! {wows} to you for capturing them.

grannyann said...

What a regal bird!! Those were outstanding pictures. Every time I see your pics I wish you would sell a calendar of your pics. You really catch some tremendous shots.

The Retired One said...

Judy: Yes, he seems to not even get nervous when we pull up with the boat now. Maybe others on the lake take photos of him too, so he gets used to it.

Ashley: thanks, I am always thrilled to see eagles and to take their photo.

Grannyann: I hope to one day make some calendars with my photos, I will be looking into that this winter, so stay tuned!

DJan said...

Aren't they the most wonderful birds? I think they are special, even more than being our national emblem. And your pictures are more than stunning. I love the first one, it takes my breath away.

The Retired One said...

DJan: They are AWESOME birds, yes! Thanks so much for your nice compliments on my photos of them. It is easy when the subject is so beautiful.

Rick (Ratty) said...

One of my ultimate photography dreams is to get pictures of an eagle like these you have here.

The Retired One said...

Ratty: You are welcome to visit us on our lake. They have been there most of the summer. Sometimes you have to ride a bit to find what island they are on, but I think I know now where to look and when. We hope they are there next year too. Last year we only saw one.

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I retired in June 2008 and started my blog in November 2008. I worked at several jobs as a Registered Nurse prior to retirement. I LOVE being retired! Blogging has offered me a whole new venue to start writing again and to share new hobbies such as gardening, birdwatching and sharing my nature photography. If you like my blog, PLEASE click on "follow this blog". Having a lot of followers reading my blog gives me incentive to continue to do photography and to continue to write. I also LOVE comments, so I encourage you to leave me a comment after you read my posts. Thanks everyone, for taking the time to read me!!

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