National Symbol

[buzzsaw]

Fitting since the new president gets innagurated on Tuesday.

I spent the last few days in the frigid air of the midwest capturing images of these beauties in action. The temps ranged from -26 to +17 with a wind speed between 20 & 30 mph. Needless the two D300's and two Mark III's all had no issues.

There were a few more throw aways due to Fridays cold weather produced fog on the birds however. Here is a sampling from the last few days.

Located at my gallery now.

[MARINERMAGNUM]

All gorgeous shots!

[Nymph]

Simply amazing shots.... You did some great work in that harsh environment.

[MN Shutterbug]

Nice shots. I just heard of someone that was at Wabasha today and was doing a bird survey. They only found 4 eagles. They also said the river is still almost completely open. That trip may wait until March, the way things are going.

[Steve Foss]

Nice work, Mike, all of them. I always like the steep banking shots in great light like the first one. That gets my pick. No. 3 is a close second.

Ghostrider, that's a negative on the tower flyby. You are RTB. Do NOT make me spill my coffee with a flyby!

[Dbl]

Success for a long drive Mike? Looks like IA by all those eagles in the trees! Beautiful work.

[finnbay]

Great shots! All BIF, but all with a different look. Well done!

[JayinMN]

Those are awesome!

[buzzsaw]

Thanks guys! Glad you liked them.

One more of the juvie about to take a fish from between the ice, the next image after this he has the fish... I just like the body pose and spread wings better on this one.

[John Mikes]

Great stuff. I'm 0-for-winter in eagle shots. Are you using both Canon and Nikon now?

[fishinchicks]

Wow! Love them all! Their expression is so intense and focused. You captured the majesty of our National Symbol beautifully.

[jonny_redhorse]

Sweet images Mike!.....Amazing how these birds can spot a fish with all that ice.....nature at it's finest!

[buzzsaw]

Great stuff. I'm 0-for-winter in eagle shots. Are you using both Canon and Nikon now?

Thanks and I'm using just Nikon. Two of the three others I had along were using Canon bodies and lenses.

[micpic]

WOW, Buzz, I'm impressed with all of them. Thanks for sharing!

[Birdsong]

That first shot is one amazing wing span! Very nice shots. I really like the juvie you posted later. Brrrr.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Buzz- flat out speechless!!! Bravo! Love the flyby shot!!!

[buzzsaw]

Thanks Mic, Birdsong and Dietz! Appreciate your kind words.

[Jim Almquist]

Buzz those are some great shots. Looks like you must have had a good time despite a few bumps in the road. I love them all but the first and the third are the one's I go back to.

[Paul]

Ya I agree those are beauties. I missed out on my eagle trip this year. FOund lots of open water and far away birds. Doctor told me I cracked my lowest rib also. Still hurts and it has been almost 10 days now. Now to find a replacement hood for my 100-400. Doh!!!!

[buzzsaw]

What happened, Paul? Did you take a fall? I missed something here!

[eelpout1]

Those are truly Beautifull!!! I come to this thread just to see the amazing work you guys show everyone, for free. Thanks to all, The eagle is truly a great subject!!!

[Paul]

Ya, I was at Redwing last weekend and was trying to get closer to the eagles by walking down the shorline along the rail road tracks. WHen I ran out of room, I opted to scale the railroad track slope and walk closet to the power plant, on the way up, I slipped, and drove my camera into the ground and my ribs into a tree. Luckily on a cracked rib and minor damage to lense hood and was able to do a temp fix tonight with super glue.

[Grey Wolf Lodge]

Nice shots...Looks like Mississippi River stuff around Wabasha or so. Have you ever gone to the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary?

[note from admin: Please see forum rules before posting again. Thank you]

It is the largest black bear (wildlife) sanctuary in the world in Orr, MN. Check out the American Bear Association HSOforum.

Grey Wolf Lodge

[buzzsaw]

Hi Grey Wolf,

I've been to Vince Shutte and did the all day pass on the ground. I found it difficult to get the images I wanted, but thought it was an incredible experience having some very large Bears walk right up near me. Most people choose to pay a nominal fee and see them from the platform above... I'm more of an eye level picture taking guy.

P.S. The Missouri river dams below Lake Oahe are great Eagle photo locations.

[USRanger]

I am brand-new to this sight and those pics are great. I am also fairly new to wildlife photography, could you tell me what your camera settings were to get those shots. Thanks