Sub-adult Bald Eagle resting on ice – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 250, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
It was a beautiful morning yesterday at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge but the birds were almost always too far away for me to photograph. The first bird I took images of was a handsome Rough-legged Hawk that was perched on a sign on the north side of the auto tour loop. The Rough-legged Hawks that have spent the winter here in northern Utah will be leaving soon to migrate to their arctic tundra nesting grounds.
The marsh looked beautiful under the blue skies and the bright sun. A lot of the ice that has encased the marsh over the winter has begun to melt so there was more open water than I have seen in quite some time. The Marsh Wrens, like those at Farmington Bay WMA, have begun to sing again and I could see them flitting around in the rushes, phrags, and cattails.
I was only able to spot two Bald Eagles from the auto tour loop, one adult was on the ice and flew off as soon as I saw it.
I did find and point out a sub-adult Bald Eagle resting on the ice on the last leg of the refuge loop and even though it was at a distance I wanted to photograph it because of the marshy habitat it was in.
Sub-adult Bald Eagle in marshy habitat – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 250, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The immature Bald Eagle is at a stage in its plumage development where it appears to be wearing a dark mask.
I like how these photos show the marshy habitat with blue water, the stubble of weather worn vegetation, some out of focus gulls in the background and the eagle resting on the ice. The immature Bald Eagle appears to be very much at home on the marsh.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Bald Eagle photos plus facts and information about this species.
Thank you.
Again
I love the fact that you don’t put the object of your photo plop in the middle. The framing is what makes or breaks the picture in my book. The surrounding is outstanding in your photos. They tell a story about your journey to find the perfect composition. Well done!
It was beautiful yesterday, a bit hazy. Sorry I did not see you yesterday!
Wow! This is almost mental telepathy! I live in Nova Scotia, in the Annapolis Valley. We have a large (estimates 400) population of bald eagles, some resident and some migratory who spending the winter here. There are MANY sub-adults. On a walk yesterday afternoon near the edge of the Bay of Fundy, I saw about 20 eagles. As I watched the sub-adults flying overhead I said to myself “I wish Mia were here!! I would love to see these sub-adults in an image!” There is such a variety of coloration, and I’m sure a better birder than I am would know what age class each belonged to. So thanks for answering my call from a distance!
Cool shots,Mia.