March 10 -23, 2019
The weather forecast for northern Utah is starting to look better, I can actually see some sunnier days predicted in the next two weeks along with warmer, spring-like temps and I couldn’t be happier. It is about freaking time!
I’ve been aching to get back out into the field to see what migrant birds are arriving, to look up into clear skies, feel the sun’s warmth and see birds and animals through my viewfinder. I’ve seen enough gray this winter, I think we all have here in northern Utah.
Bald Eagle at Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge – Nikon D810, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The prospect of sunnier, warmer days has me thinking of great birding and bird photography places I haven’t explored in awhile including Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge which is a stunning, birdy oasis in the West Desert of Utah. Even if I weren’t a bird photographer the trip out to the refuge is an amazing journey through the desert because of the scenic beauty along the way. I’ve written about my first time going to Fish Springs NWR here if you’d like to see some of the spectacular scenery, birds and wildlife on the way to and from the refuge.
One of my trips out to Fish Springs NWR happened during this time of the year and while I was there so was a gorgeous adult Bald Eagle that perched in the trees near the picnic area not too far from the refuge headquarters. The eagle looked so regal perched in those bare trees with a clear blue sky behind it that I couldn’t resist taking way too many photos of it. I saw other birds that day but none that were as cooperative as this eagle was.
I wonder if this same eagle makes a trip to the refuge each year and if it is there now. Who knows, it could be! My feet are getting itchy for a trip out to Fish Springs…
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Bald Eagle photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a great image of our national bird “standing at attention”. This pic should be on a postage stamp. So cool. Thanks Mia.
What a beautiful bird posting from a great photographer. Love the blue skies. Thank you, Mia
That beautiful bird looks just like one we used to see near the Hudson…one we called “Big Mama”.. We could usually find her sitting in the same tree. Because of the size, we were pretty sure it was a female…they are quite a bit bigger than the males…this image could be a portrait of her…
Thank you for the reminder of fish springs, it’s been several years since I was there. I’ll make sure to add it to my mud season get aways
Mia, Once again what a beautiful photo of the Eagle. Looks like warmer weather in your area. Still snow around Wyoming.