immature but growing up

[MN Shutterbug]

I went back out to the park today, and lo and behold, I found this one sitting in a tree. When I left town, the skies were clear. By the time I got to the park, thin clouds had moved in. I actually waited for 15 minutes before taking the shot, hoping for better light. The diffused light worked out OK. A little later, I came across one sitting in a tree, about 50 ft. from me. I barely had time to get the camera up, and he quickly departed. I didn't even have time to back off on the zoom. A little later, I came acrosss this last one. I'd take a few steps in the crunchy snow, take a couple shots and wait. I'd then take a few more steps and a couple more shots. It worked pretty well. He knew I was there, but I tried to move only when he wasn't looking my direction.

[Steve Foss]

Nice ones, Mike. Excellent exposures, and wise use of +1 exposure compensation to get the feathers properly exposed against all the near-white BG. That diffuse light is to die for. Even, rich, no shadows. I like the last one best because of the head turn a bit toward you.

[Jim Uran]

Awesome shots!! Totally beautiful.

[Birdsong]

Nice! You are finally getting some birds back. I know this sounds really silly when you are shooting photos of a bald eagle, but I like the quality of the branches behind him--especially in the first one. They seem to mirror the mottled look of his head. It is hard to come by interesting branches in SW MN.

[MN Shutterbug]

Nice! I know this sounds really silly when you are shooting photos of a bald eagle, but I like the quality of the branches behind him--especially in the first one.

I knew there was a reason I kept this shot. When I first started going thru them, I figured I'd toss the first few, because the last ones were better. But, I kept coming back to this one and realized there was something about it that I really liked. It's the environment. You northerners may think the trees are ho hum, but us southerners really appreciate trees.

[Paul]

Those are great X. I got an email from a friend of mine yesterday who has a baldy hanging out at their farm watching over their pigeon flock. I may try and get some nice ones of my own yet this year.

Was this shot in Marshall?

[dukhnt]

Those are pretty sweet X. I think my favorite is the first one.

[RainyEye]

Great shots, nice and sharp and showing lots of detail with the feathering! Makes me want to get out there today!

[finnbay]

Really like that first one X!

[eyeguy 54]

I really like that last one. All very nice!

[MN Shutterbug]

Paul, these were shot at Camden State Park, just 10 miles SW of Marshall. They must be migrating.

Thanks everyone, for the nice comments. It helps make it all worth the effort.

[Steve Foss]

You northerners may think the trees are ho hum, but us southerners really appreciate trees.

I grew up on the North Dakota prairie. I like trees!

[HawgMan]

Nice pix! I to, like the last one the best, but all are great shots!

Thanx for sharing.

[JayinMN]

Nice collection XT. The first really stands out.