Immature Bald Eagle perched near the Weber River – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/6400, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
When I spotted this immature Bald Eagle high in the Wasatch Mountains three days ago I hoped at some point to get photos of it in flight. I was prepared to sit and wait for a while even though with the windows down my hands were quickly going numb from the bitter cold. The eagle was far enough away from the road that I knew that in all likelihood that the young raptor felt comfortable and that it might not take off any time soon.
I feel that I should note that there should be much more snow on the mountain in the background at this time of the year at the elevation I was at. I am still concerned about the lack of snowpack this winter specially since spring is arriving soon.
Immature Bald Eagle looking at the Weber River – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/5000, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I noticed that the immature Bald Eagle looked down at the Weber River frequently and my curiosity got the best of me. I wanted to know what had caught the young Bald Eagle’s gaze.
Canada Geese and Common Mergansers on the Weber River – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I took a chance of missing the eagle lifting off and scoped the area of the river that it kept looking at from its lofty perch. Through some trees on the riverbank I was able to see Canada Geese and drake Common Mergansers in the icy water of the river.
When the immature Bald eagle eventually did take to the air it did so with its back towards me. The geese and the mergansers called in alarm as the eagle flew down towards them briefly then turned and flew to the north.
I was disappointed that I didn’t get the flight photos of the Bald Eagle that I had hoped for but I was certainly happy to have found this Bald Eagle since my sightings of birds were few and far between that morning.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Bald Eagle photos plus facts and information about this species.
Hi sweetie! Wow, you got wonderful photos! Great shooting!
Such a handsome bird. I hope it makes it to full adulthood — and beyond. We’re far behind where we should be in terms of snowpack as well. We have a chance for a little rain and possibly some snow in the mountains on Wednesday, but we need several more of those fronts to make a difference.
How I would have love to have been with you. Again.
Yes, the butt shot……
I would like to get closer to the creek and take photos, that is a very beautiful scene especially with the mergansers.
gorgeous