The Bald Eagles are Returning to the Valley

Four year old Bald Eagle up close – Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/640, ISO 200, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited

During the summer months I don’t often see Bald Eagles unless I go up into the high country or travel north of Utah to Idaho, Wyoming or Montana but in the Salt Lake Valley many Bald Eagles come in to spend the winter.

By the time autumn arrives I find myself anxiously looking forward to seeing my first eagle of the season and usually the first one I spot is flying high overhead or perched on a craggy rock.

Many of the Bald Eagles that over winter in the Salt Lake Valley have migrated down from the mountains or from much father north of Utah, including Bald Eagles from Alaska.

Adult Bald Eagle in flight – Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited

I have been seeing a spattering of Bald Eagles either in flight or perched in leafless trees lately and before long there will be hundreds more.

I haven’t heard any calling yet but I suspect that I will be hearing that soon. I am looking forward to seeing and photographing the Bald Eagles that call this valley home during the coldest months. Utah ROCKS for bird photography!

Life is good.

Mia

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

10 Comments

Fergiemoto January 9, 2012 at 6:15 pm

WOW – These are breathtaking!
- Mia McPherson January 10, 2012 at 6:49 am
  
  Thank you Fergiemoto, the Bald Eagles are breath taking here in the valley during the winter!
Mike Masin December 23, 2011 at 7:27 am

These shots are a great inspiration to start my day Mia, thanks very much 🙂
- Mia McPherson December 23, 2011 at 7:47 am
  
  Thanks so much for stopping by Mike! I appreciate your comment in these Bald Eagle images.
Bob Zeller December 20, 2011 at 9:34 am

Such an awesome, gorgeous close-up of the Bald Eagle. Mia, you ROCK!!
- Mia McPherson December 20, 2011 at 1:38 pm
  
  Thanks Bob, the eagle was gorgeous. And very cooperative.
Dan Huber December 20, 2011 at 12:36 am

Wonderful captures Mia. I am enthralled with the first one, so much detail and personality.
- Mia McPherson December 20, 2011 at 6:20 am
  
  Dan, the first Bald Eagle image is one of my favorites for the very reasons you stated. Thank you for looking and for your comments.
Kathy Finnerty December 19, 2011 at 3:20 pm

What can I say?! Magnificent subject – magnificant images. Funny, as I was looking at the first image, I’m saying to myself – oh, a beautiful four year old male eagle! Then I scroll down and you list it as a 4-year-old. Nice call! 😉
- Mia McPherson December 20, 2011 at 6:17 am
  
  Thanks Kathy! I am very excited to see the Eagles come back, they are so magnificent that they take my breath away!

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