Mississippi River Eagles

It has been 9 winters since I have photographed American Bald Eagles on the mighty Mississippi River below Lock and Dam 14, just north of the Quad Cities.  This is one of my happy winter places as this is where the entire wildlife photography journey started back in 2010.  The light was all over the place today from heavy clouds, snow, and partial sunshine.  Wind was perfect for most of the afternoon, strong from the South.  At L&D 14 you want a North or South wind, otherwise you end up with nothing but butt shots.   I think I might go back Friday, but we really need more snow on the ground and more ice on the river. 

Trumpeter Swan

2.5 year of Juvenile

American White Pelican

Not all fishing passes are successful.  I like it when they missed, as it brings several other eagles into the action.  This is 1 pound gizzard shad.

Who want to go photograph eagles soon?

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look!
Life is good and I am blessed!
Kent 

2015-2016 Eagle Trip

Since moving to Texas I didn’t expect to be able to photograph my beloved Eagles during the winter of the 2015 / 2016 season.  Worked wanted me to travel back to central Illinois, so I went the weekend before to squeeze three days in the field chasing owls and Eagles.

Friday 2/12/16 Day 1 Owls and Eagles

Saturday 2/13/16 Great Horned & Barred Owls

Sunday 2/14/16 was a snow out, guess that is what I deserved for leaving Miss Sharon home only on Valentines Day.  I was scheduled to go after Snowy owls in the morning and Eagles in the afternoon.

Best of the Eagles from Friday and Saturday afternoon sessions. Lot if changing light conditions.  Overall I’m happy with this batch.

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This juvenile was very active both days and had two longer flight feathers so I could always recognize this one.PBKJ4591-FrameShopPBKJ5170-FrameShop

Canon 5DMK3 + 100-400 MK2 and  they still get so close.  This was shot at 100mm.KJ5D3191-FrameShopKJ5D3188-FrameShopKJ5D3218-FrameShop KJ5D3223-FrameShop

One of my new favorites from this trip.PBKJ4688-FrameShop PBKJ4704-FrameShopPBKJ5672-FrameShop PBKJ5704-FrameShop PBKJ5705-FrameShop PBKJ5720-FrameShop PBKJ5739-FrameShop PBKJ5741-FrameShop PBKJ5746-FrameShop PBKJ5748-FrameShop

I still don’t have a Talon to Talon upside down shot 🙁  A third eagle ended up with this fish as it was dropped.PBKJ5826-FrameShop PBKJ5943-FrameShopTheir Talons are so sharp, this guy ended up cutting the head off this fish.  The body ended up falling back into the water and the eagle ended up with only the head.PBKJ5958-FrameShopEnjoy the photos and what you read? Subscribe to be notified of future posts via email by either clicking the Follow button at the bottom or the Subscribe section on the right.

Life is good and I am blessed!

Kent

An Eagle a Day for February Day 28

Feb 28: this concludes your eagle a day.  Hope you have enjoyed them,

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Thanks for stopping by, Life is good, and I am blessed!
Kent