hidden birds of prey They're returning to Winter-over

The Bald Eagles are returning to the Lewis & Clark State Park to

Winter over since the Missouri River flooding last year. And, I've been

sharpening my skills to get a little closer to these magnificant creatures

with some success. It's about time! I've been at it pretty consistently

since the Winter of 2010.

Hopefully my post processing skills are improving a bit too, but still alot

to learn.

Your comments/critiques, ratings and opinions are greatly appreciated

as well as your valuable time to view and, allowing me the opportunity

to share.

Thanks always,

Jim j.

You are a lucky man, Jim.  I have yet to a bald eagle in the wild.  This is a fine image, but if it was me, I would crop the branch in the lower left of the frame. 

Well, that branch in the lower left, . . . I know, I looked at the crop doing away with it but I didn't like it. Also considered "cloning" it out but ended up just leaving it as part of the natural environment. I did want to keep the diagonal branch the Eagle is perched on as long in the frame as I could. (For better or worse.)

It was a long day, . . . although another one for the "memory book!" And, the Eagles are just starting to return. Hopefully there will be as many as there were back in 2010 before the flood. I've learned alot about their habits since then as well as the area. I'm thinking I'll be able to get closer to them now. Can't wait till they start to do more fishing. But for now, they are feeding on the Waterfowl. Especially the carrion left behind from the Goose & Duck Hunters.

Still need a longer lens!

It's just a few hour drive Bill, . . . come on! Kansas ain't that far from Texas!

Jim j.

I've really done a radical crop and sharpen here, in the main because I thought your image could take it...........  and I think I'm right?

I did this because of your mention of needing a longer lens....... and I see 3 answers to that thought............ 1. yes you do need a longer lens. 2. you need to get closer to your subject. 3. you need a monopod, shoot in "spot" af mode and learn to PP a little better (smiles).

My tentative advice here is #3.

With these guys coming home to roost for a while, they are going to get used to you..... always wear the same gear for each shoot.... familiarity, and work on distance between you and on the spot AF... clarity of the subject is paramount to your shoot.

Hey I know you know all this..... but hopefully my support of your beliefs will get you into that "zone" and I will be envious of your results.

I really do look forward to your images, going forward.

Best regards

Hey, thanks for reminding me!

Bill had suggested a tighter crop because of the diagonal branch in the lower left, and now that I see it, I do like your crop a bit better.

There was a time when you had to start with a basically good photograph. But now appears to be all down to how good your post processing skills are. How much you can manipulate this and that, oversaturate and sharpen to unnatural attributes, colors & backgrounds, and how many facebook likes you get!

All of my later photographs seem to be thought of as far below average so, I'm beginning to wonder "whats the use" and why I even participate here anymore!

Just ranting Grayham, I do always look forward to your honest critique and helpful insights!

Frustrated,

Jim j.

I like the crops too.  Keeping your main subject off center really makes a more interesting composition. Obviously your lighting is a little less than ideal.

We get Bald Eagle here in Indiana, but at least our resident birds, never seem to allow one to get too close.  Even with my 600mm +1.4 TC they spook easily so I don't try any more; I figure I don't need to keep stressing them.

Thanks,

Yes, I'm usually in Camoflauge or in a portable hide and I do feel that the Eagles sort of get use to ones movements but yet will definately keep their distance!

The east side of the Oxbow lake has a fairly large residential area so they possibly are a little more use to people and, I expect that some of the residents may feed them at times through the winter. I've been told that there were a considerable number of nesting pairs that stayed year around. However, I've not found a nest in this immediate area, and last years flood wiped out many of the larger trees. But I do know of an active nest about 25 miles south of this area and along the Missouri River. And it is huge! I've been watching it for three years now from a distance. You can only get within about a quarter mile of it. And my 100-400 is just not long enough, even with the 1.4X TC.

I'll keep trying, although it's a rare occasion to get the opportunity to get close enough, or at least for the Eagles to decide to get close to you, but they are a real joy to watch and observe!