My eagles got bling.

[JayinMN]

Here I thought I had a decent eagle shot and then I notice the nice shiny silver bracelet. I might as well go to the zoo next time....

[MARINERMAGNUM]

Excellent sharpness and I like the crop on this one. Can you read it @100%?

[JayinMN]

No, I wish I could then I could track it down and send an email to who ever banded it. It would be neat to know where it came from.

[MN Shutterbug]

I've never seen a banded eagle. Yep, might as well have been at the zoo. Other than that, excellento. He looks downright proud.

[fishinchicks]

Banded or not, it's a gorgeous photo!

I get so excited when I see an eagle soaring high above the trees or cruising along a river. You can't get that when you visit the zoo!

[USDA3]

Although it may not look as pristine, as a Biologist, I can tell you that we get some excellent data from banding raptors. If you are ever able to get a number or at least a partial on film, don't hesitate to report it to the Bird Banding Lab. Thanks!

http://www.reportband.gov/

[yakfisher]

Post that on the Duck forum and you'll get plenty of at'a boys. Those guys are always looking for the blinged up birds. Nice shot. I like the band, I haven't seen any shots of banded eagles in the wild. A great capture and a rare find, way to go.

[finnbay]

You had quite an outing, Jason! Great shot!

[dockothebay]

Beautiful - very majestic, bling or no bling!

[JayinMN]

Here is the best I can get out of it blown up to 100%.

It starts with a B. I did not realize this bird was banded till I got home. If I had known, I would have tried to get a clearer shot of its band or read it with my binoculars. I am always willing to report an animal if I can read its ID. Last summer I reported a cow moose that had a tag in her ear. I got a picture of the tag, and sent in all the info about her like she had a calf at her side, location, time day etc.

Thanks for the link USDA3. I book marked it and if I come across any more federally banded birds I will certianly try to get the band number and send in a report. Its always interesting to learn a little about the bird you saw. I plan on heading back that way this weekend and maybe it will still be feeding on the deer carcasses.

[Jim Almquist]

Really love how you were able to get him to lift his chin

How many shots is that 7D rated for

[JayinMN]

150,000 and I am only on 183....

[Jim Almquist]

150,000 and I am only on 183....

And Counting

[USDA3]

Jay-

Federal USGS bands (silver-aluminum) will most likely, always be numerical. They are of a 9 digit (XXXX-XXXXX) configuration, which would be hard to get the entire band number in a photo, but a partial with species, location, could help narrow it down.

Great shot!