Close up Golden Eagle in flight – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light, not baited
This morning I would like to celebrate the State of Utah’s newly designated official state bird of prey, the Golden Eagle. Utah is the third state in the nation to designate a state raptor. Idaho designated the Peregrine Falcon as their state bird of prey and New Hampshire selected the Red-tailed Hawk as theirs.
I am fortunate to have seen Golden Eagles on two continents, North America and in Europe. When I lived in Germany I mostly saw Golden Eagles way out in farmer’s fields. Here in Utah I see them in deserts, sagebrush steppes, grasslands and up in the mountains.
I’m always looking for Golden Eagles when I am out in the field photographing birds. Even though I have taken hundreds of photos of Golden Eagles they are still somewhat of a nemesis bird for me. That basically means I don’t have as many high quality photos of them as I would like to have.
Immature Golden Eagle flying over a desert – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 400, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light, not baited
When I first moved to Utah I saw more Golden Eagles than I see now. Golden Eagles here may be struggling due to habitat destruction, human developments which can have a cascading effect on their prey base, wildfires, and nest destruction. In addition to habitat changes and prey availability Golden Eagles, like other raptors, can acquire lead poisoning from shell fragments when they scavenge carcasses and gut piles left by hunters.
Golden Eagles are year round residents in Utah and migratory Golden Eagles overwinter here. Golden Eagles nest early and they may already be incubating eggs at this time of the year in Utah.
Selecting the Golden Eagle as Utah’s official state bird of prey, in my opinion, was a great step forward. I hope that this designation will help more Utahns understand that we need to protect these powerful, feathered apex predators.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Golden Eagle photos plus facts and information about this species.
Some stunning shots for a bird that’s been your nemesis! I had no idea about the state bird of prey designation. I only recently realized we had a state marine fish here in California (the Garibaldi) and I only learned this because I just happened to see one in a marina. I need to ramp up my state animal and botanical education … clearly. 🙂
These remarkable pics capture all of the beauty, grace and power of a truly magnificent bird. Thanks Mia.
Beautiful images, now if we can ban lead shot that is a start.
Love Goldens! Hoping that the designation will translate into policies that protect these birds (and other wildlife).
Oh, oh, oh..Mia…my heart is full…thank you very, very much fo the JUBALEA of GOLDENS!!!
Just…WOW!
These are gorgeous captures of this iconic species Mia! I have been fortunate to see several Golden Eagles recently, an adult pair apparently with their juvenile offspring at Dye Creek Preserve, and just yesterday a juvenile flew over my house, high overhead, hiding in a kettle of Turkey Vultures!
I live in Southern Utah at the base of a mountain range, and we have a pair that fly over our home regularly during the day. One rainy day this week, my husband saw one of them on the ground, eating, and couldn’t get over its size. Incredible bird!