Last Saturday, my wife, Elena, and I decided to take a ride up to Lake Wilhelm in Maurice K. Goddard state park to watch a pair of nesting Bald Eagles. Since this nest is about 300 yards from the viewing areas, I usually don't make very many photographs on our visits because, after cropping, the images usually don't look very good. Somehow, I always feel pressured to make photographs anyway. Then I usually delete them when I get home.
There wasn't any wind that night and the evening light was pretty nice. My shutter speed still crept under 500 sometimes lending to possible blurred movement. For those of you that have experience with DSLR's and iso, I will just add that I didn't set my iso any higher than 400 because I knew I'd be cropping the image pretty severely.
I was pretty happy with the outcome that night so I processed a handful of photographs to document the evening and I'd like to share.
We only spent about an hour watching the eagles this night. When we got there, both eagles were perched in a tree about 50 yards to the right of the nest. The nest, by the way, is the current home of two growing eaglets. More on them later. It was very interesting watching this pair as they seemed to go through many emotions.
Bald EagleMaurice K. Goddard State Park. Sandy Lake, PA
There were some Common Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds flying all around the swamp. This Red-winged Blackbird flew very close to the eagles.
Bald EagleMaurice K. Goddard State Park. Sandy Lake, PA
Let's talk about how you tell the difference between a male and a female Bald Eagle. The two most obvious points are a female is larger than the male and a female has a deeper eye cavity than the male giving the illusion of wearing eye shadow makeup. With that said, I can't for sure say which gender these eagles are. So, in order to not make a mistake. I won't refer to the eagles as he or she in this posting.
After 10 or 15 minutes of preening, this eagle shakes it up to finish up the preening process.
Bald EagleMaurice K. Goddard State Park. Sandy Lake, PA
The eagle on the right must have recently flown in because it was panting a lot. They don't sweat so they cool themselves by panting; similar to a dog. At times, this couple moved close to each other as if they were communicating.
Bald EagleMaurice K. Goddard State Park. Sandy Lake, PA
Earlier, I mentioned two eaglets on the nest. Below is a photo I made during a short time they had their heads above the nest. They were watching mom and dad.
Bald EagleTwo eaglets this year
Maurice K. Goddard State Park. Sandy Lake, PA
Another photo of the pair.
Bald EagleMaurice K. Goddard State Park. Sandy Lake, PA
The eagle on the right began to chatter at the other one. Only they know what they were communicating but it was pretty intense.
Bald EagleMaurice K. Goddard State Park. Sandy Lake, PA
Another five minutes went by with not much activity.
Bald EagleMaurice K. Goddard State Park. Sandy Lake, PA
Then, it happened. I'm sure a bird can poop while it flies but they always seem to do it right before they take off. Maybe they are lightening the load! Some cultures believe it is good luck to be hit by bird poop. I'm not sure I would want to be the target of an eagle.
Bald EagleMaurice K. Goddard State Park. Sandy Lake, PA
Then it was time to go.
Bald EagleMaurice K. Goddard State Park. Sandy Lake, PA
Bald EagleMaurice K. Goddard State Park. Sandy Lake, PA
Bald EagleMaurice K. Goddard State Park. Sandy Lake, PA
When the eagle took off, so did the Red-winged Blackbird that was sitting nearby the whole time. There are some brave and aggressive little birds out there. I don't think I'd pick on someone so much larger than me. The eagle flew between some trees before it turned and flew away from me and towards the lake. The red-winged Blackbird was on its tail for about 100 yards before the eagle's speed was too much for it.
Bald EagleMaurice K. Goddard State Park. Sandy Lake, PA
The other eagle sat in the tree watching it's mate fly away.
Bald EagleMaurice K. Goddard State Park. Sandy Lake, PA
I fully appreciate any and all time I get to spend in nature. Add the elegant Bald Eagle in the scene and it is a time you will not soon forget.
Thanks for looking,
Dan