Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Eagle Eye

Before you ask, no, this eagle was not in the wild. We do have bald eagles in this area, but I have yet to see one and getting good photos would require extreme luck or a lot of time, neither of which I seem to have. This guy was in a wildlife sanctuary. I was a bit puzzled by the fact he was resting on the ground when there were plenty of trees to perch in, but there was no one around to ask. I don't know if he had been injured or if this was just typical for this particular eagle.


In the last photo, you can clearly see the nictitating membrane, or third eyelid, in the halfway position.


(Edit: I have since learned the eagles at the sanctuary are permanently disabled and cannot fly.)









18 comments:

Dawn said...

What detail in your shots. Have never seen one up so close before.
Nice selection of different views on this guy. A beautiful bird!

TexWisGirl said...

he or she is beautiful. glad they are being well-tended.

theconstantwalker said...

Lovely images of a beautiful bird.. many thanks for sharing.

Dave said...

nice idea with the differing colours and contrast. Simply magnificent bird and when seen upclose... awesome

Dave

mick said...

Great photos of the eagle. Seeing one this close is very special.

eileeninmd said...

Awesome closeup shots. They are cool looking birds.

Nancy said...

He's gorgeous. Happy that he's got a home at the sanctuary. Great photos, Bryan. :)

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Great shots and we can learn a lot about these wonderful raptors and about photography from rehab places like this. They do good work. And so do you.

Reena said...

He's gorgeous. So glad there are places like this to care for these guys!

joo said...

Wow, wonderful photos!

Hilke Breder said...

Beautiful shots! Sad fate for a Bald Eagle though.

Lasse said...

Beautiful shot !!

LB @ Bullets And Biscuits said...

Good gawd, his beak looks like it might hurt ya! And you are killing my with all these awesome pictures...like, I might have to compliment you or something soon. UGH!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures of a magnificent bird!

Springman said...

Detail like this is easily appreciated. Like you say, catching a Bald Eagle in the wild takes a lot of time and patients and even then your not likely to get a close up even with a 500mm lens. This is perfect. If an injured bird is being cared for to boot, all the better. Thanks for sharing these great portraits!

jeanlivingsimple said...

This eagle may be disabled but you have shown that he/she is still a magnificent bird!

Arija said...

Great to get so close and get all that detail, although it is sad to see such a majestic bird so severely handicapped.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful, magnificent bird! Sad that he is grounded but it's good that he's in a safe place.