Golden Eagle - yippee (sort of)

[MN Shutterbug]

I made the long trek to Wabasha yesterday and spent time watching the Bald Eagles at Alma. I didn't come away much with real keepers, but at least I finally captured a Golden Eagle. The problem is, they are about an 85% crop and it doesn't help that they are kinda blah colored anyway. The Bald Eagle flight shots were about a 65% crop, but their distinguishing colors make a lot of difference. There are tons of bald eagles in the area, but they sure keep their distance. The river is pretty wide where I was at and of course, they were fishing out in the middle. A couple of these shots are just to show what they were up to. It was enjoyable just watching them.

[RumRiverRat]

As a Duck Hunter I love the pic of the Flock of Goldeneyes.

Lots of Nice Drakes in that flock.

Great Pics!

[captainshane]

I see you made the long drive. I have yet to see a Golden. Nice pics.

[Jim Almquist]

Looks like a very fun day and the Golden was just a huge bonus. Some day I need to make that road trip.

[MN Shutterbug]

Thanks Rumriver and Captain.

Jim, it's the same mileage for you as it is for me, but you can make it a lot quicker due to I-35. I logged 502 miles yesterday.

[Jim Almquist]

I do have one advantage and that is a few of my brothers live in the metro so I can kill 2 birds with one stone. I also need to see the Swans on Monticello.

[finnbay]

What excitement to find a golden! I like that roosting shot!

[micpic]

Nice find and some great shots on your Baldies.

Mike

[eyeguy 54]

nice and congrats on the first golden. I captured a pair doing the air dance last year in WI for my first but they were toooo far away. oh well, hopefully again some day.

[Steve Foss]

I'm jealous, Mike. We don't have those kind of eagles up here.

Just ribbin ya, buddy. Nice images!

[RumRiverRat]

I do have one advantage and that is a few of my brothers live in the metro so I can kill 2 birds with one stone. I also need to see the Swans on Monticello.

The numbers of swans you see is amazing. I see them sitting on the river everyday on my way to work. 1000 or more in the area now.

[RumRiverRat]

BTW, I collect Photos of Waterfowl, would you mind sharing the high res version of the Goldeneye picture.