Second year Bald Eagle on ice – D200, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
This is a second year Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and while the adult birds are probably the most photographed, I enjoy photographing all ages & phases of plumage of bald eagles. I don’t see many eagles at all here in the Salt Lake Valley during the summer but in the winter their numbers increase greatly.
Bald Eagles can live to about 28 years old while the Golden Eagles can live up to 39 years. Bald Eagles were declared endangered in 1967 and were then protected by Federal laws, since then their population has rebounded.
Perhaps there are some people who would not find this second year bird as attractive as the adults but to me this bird is just as regal, beautiful and appealing as the adults are.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Bald Eagle photos plus facts and information about this species.