Golden Eagle – TOO Close! Antelope Island State Park, Davis County, UtahGolden Eagle – TOO Close

Early yesterday morning Antelope Island State Park did not have the best conditions for bird photography, there were clouds, a bit of lake fog and low light so when I spotted this Golden Eagle perched on a sagebrush in those conditions I was dismayed.

Several Black-billed Magpies drew my attention to the eagle. I wouldn’t say they were mobbing it but I could tell they were very aware of the Golden Eagle’s presence. I was able to get a few images of the eagle on top of the sagebrush before it took flight. Oh how I wish the light had been much better than it actually was. The eagle pooped and I knew it was going to take flight so I started taking images as soon as it lifted off and to my surprise it flew towards me and then right over the vehicle.

I didn’t have time to pull back my zoom but I was able to lock on focus right after the bird came too close for me to fit its whole body in the frame. And the image ended up high key because of the clouds in the background.

Most of the time I “wish” that Golden Eagles were closer so I could take some high quality images of them but yesterday I was wishing this one had stayed just a bit further away. The life of a bird photographer… full of joy, wonder and sometimes disappointment but I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

The light got better of course later in the morning when the Golden Eagle was nowhere to be found. The rest of the morning was spent at Farmington Bay WMA where I took the Great Blue Heron images I published earlier today and some Barn Owls in flight.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Golden Eagle photos plus facts and information about this species.

*This image is full frame by the way!