Saturday, July 17, 2010

Feeding the eagles


Sitting in the RV I happened to look out the window and see an eagle fly by.  I knew there was a nest not too far from where we were camped.  I headed out with my camera and started taking pictures.  A lot of the pictures did not turn out, but some of them did.  Thank goodness for digital cameras.


It took me a minute or two to realize that someone was throwing fish out for the eagles.  Here the eagle is coming in to pick up the fish on the ground.


It swooped in and grabbed the fish.


And flew away.





What magnificent birds they are.





I took a million pictures.  Then I thought about the danger of feeding wildlife.  I got up my nerve and went over to the woman throwing the fish.  I mentioned that perhaps it might not be a good idea for her to be feeding the eagles.  She said she had a permit from Fish and Game and that it was ok.  They were very hungry because the salmon had not started running.



At first I had thought the eagles were raiding the nests of the birds in the wetland but they weren't.  They also feed from the sloughs when fishermen come in and clean their fish.  It's a good place for eagles to live.


After having wild turkeys in our yard all year, I've decided that the eagle is a much better choice for the national bird!


If you' like animals, go visit Camera Critters!

14 comments:

Barb said...

Loren, I'm amazed at these fabulous photos of the eagle. The head shot is a one in a million. You're right about feeding wildlife - I'm glad you spoke up. Your trip was surely amazing.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Incredible shots. The head-on shots of it coming in to get the fish and the final shot is brilliant.

Linda said...

Stunning. But I think you were right to query the fish thrower, eventho it took a bit of nerve.

Your post made me wonder if Scotland has a national bird. I just checked, and apparently we do, since 2004 - the golden eagle. I suppose that was inevitable.

Martha Z said...

Amazing shots!

George said...

These are fantastic pictures of the eagles. You did a wonderful job getting these pictures. With all due respect to Ben Franklin, I agree that the eagle is a better national bird.

Dar said...

Simply amazing shots of our national bird. The one of him flying right at you with the fish is striking. I enlarged it and you can see every feather. The Bald Eagle is my favorite bird to paint.
Thanks for showing us your eagle.
What a grand tribute to our country.
BlessYourHeart

Anonymous said...

All of the photos are beautiful, but the last photo is incredible!! Stunning!
I love eagles, but don't see them as often as I'd like.
That was so nice of that lady to feed them!

Gaelyn said...

Wow, these are all amazing captures. To see the eagle grab that fish in mid flight must have been really exciting. Good for you to ask about feeding them. Seems rather unusual.

Roan said...

All I can say is, "Wow!"

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Fabulous pictures of the eagles, Loran... You may have taken a million ---but the ones you showed are fabulous... I love eagles also ---and am glad the Eagle is our National Bird for sure!!!!!

GORGEOUS...
Hugs,
Betsy

Bill S. said...

Fantastic shots. They are beautiful birds and fun to watch. Great post.

Janie said...

What a great opportunity to photograph eagles! Love the last shot, especially, with the closeup of that keen eagle eye.

RNSANE said...

What magnificent pictures. I've never seen an eagle up close and personal so I really enjoyed your shots of these glorious birds.

Frostbite and Sunburn said...

Amazing shots - it's worth taking 200 pictures if you get a selection like this!! Digital cameras, eh? Fab!