A little action today.

[MN Shutterbug]

The background for this pheasant, sure isn't very complmentary. However, it is nice to get clouds in the sky, for a change.

I'd sure the heck like to know what this is. It was almost 40 degrees today, so I doubt that it's a sun dog.

[mmeyer]

You sure are nailing the exposure on those eagles Mike! Very nice work.

[DonBo]

Sun dog. It's much colder above the ground (on average about 5 degrees colder for every thousand feet)and there certainly is a chance for ice crystals in the air.

[dukhnt]

I like the eagle images. Keep em coming.

[Birdsong]

Very nice--once again. You get eagles--I got Canada Geese, oh yay. Just learned how to open in exif after reading someone's comment on good exposure. Should have figured that out month's ago, it might actually have helped.

[DMN]

Nice shots XT, I think it is getting time to see the ground bare instead of under 12 feet of snow, feels like it has been about 11 months of snow.

[Dbl]

Nice work X! And Don its actually 5.5F per thousand for the dry adiabatic lapse rate and 3F for the moist lapse rate (weather modification and cloud physics training) It is sunlight shining through cirriform clouds high in the atmosphere(comprised of ice crystals) that gives you the halo. You asked

[DonBo]

Nice work X! And Don its actually 5.5F per thousand for the dry adiabatic lapse rate and 3F for the moist lapse rate (weather modification and cloud physics training) It is sunlight shining through cirriform clouds high in the atmosphere(comprised of ice crystals) that gives you the halo. You asked

WOW! And to think I just came up with the 5 degrees from many hours logged in a skydiving plane years ago. Now I know. I think. I never even heard of an adiabatic lapse rate.

[Dbl]

The difference between the two adiabatic lapse rates is what causes instability in the atmosphere, think thunderstorms. In basic terms adiabatic means changes in temperature caused by changes in pressure. Those photos you've seen releasing a balloon into the atmosphere, that is how they find the temps. All plotted on a skew-T diagram. There you find K index's and Lifted index's which gives you a reasonable idea if you will have severe weather. Need I go on?

[mountaindew]

Mike,

Really liked the angled shot in 2nd picture. Great flight shots!

Makes it easier to photo shoot them in "gliding" positions isn't it?

[ShawnZ]

Very nice images, great underwing details in the eagle flight shots, the third in the sequence is very compelling with that look back at you! I also enjoy how you composed the sun dog image. Nice work.

[mmeyer]

Dan, you must be a blast at parties! Now I know what you and Yakfisher meant when you were talking about getting pilots together.

[Dbl]

Dan, you must be a blast at parties! Now I know what you and Yakfisher meant when you were talking about getting pilots together.

LOL, now that is funny!!! You know I just couldn't resist!

[Nymph]

Those are some sweet eagle shots XT.

[Catmendo]

Very nice Mike, I like 'em all!

[HawgMan]

I'm boggled!! With the atmosphere stuff!

But super nice pic's!

Just left Camera Talk Mn & seen 'em there to.

Keep up the good work.

[MN Shutterbug]

Thanks everyone.

This may come as a shocker, but I've actually just about had my fill of bald eagles. I didn't think I'd ever say that. I've taken so many pictures of these gorgeous raptors in the last couple weeks, that I don't know what more I would want, other than one in the act of catching a fish. I just had an email regarding about 100 bald eagles on a frozen slough about 30 miles from here, and I'm actually thinking of passing on it. Then again, I suppose a shot of one eating a fish on the ice, would be something new. I have got to come up with something new to chase. Any ideas?

[JayinMN]

Mike the eagle looking over its shoulder is great! And the in flight shots are awesome too.