LaTeeDa

On Sunday morning, I got up at dark-thirty and drove out to the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge. February is prime time for seeing bald eagles in this area and it turned out to be a beautiful day. I am very grateful to be living near a place that is sanctuary for so many of nature's wild creatures, and even more grateful for my obsession with capturing them. (In camera, of course!)

LaTeeDa

There was no wind, so the reflections were spectacular.

LaTeeDa

Other birds were out and about, too.

LaTeeDa

I love reflections. It's like getting a two for one bonus photograph!

LaTeeDa

Didn't manage to capture the elusive "eagle in flight" photograph that I covet. But, I did manage a not-so-bad red-tail hawk in flight.

LaTeeDa

All in all, it was a great day! And, when I got home, I found out that another of my prints had been purchased from my gallery while I was out shooting!

Willybluedog

Thank you so much for your photos, they really make my day, my family also enjoys them very much.

Bill

itsjustme1968

I really need to get out more and take pictures. Keep up the great work. I loved them all.

wellwisher

Thanks for posting. These photos are fabulous!

I admire your talent; keep 'em coming....

Sail48

I love the wildlife, so majestic and strong....but I kept coming back to the reflections. The colors are fantastic. To capture nature so still and calm is a very strong statement in photography in my opinion....thank you for this one.

Tuffgirl

LTD - your photos get more and more amazing!

On a funnier note - a couple years ago I was out running at my local trail park...ski trails in the winter and running/walking/horse trails in the summer. As I crested a hill, I caught movement out of the corner of my eye over my shoulder, and felt something wisp through my hair. I looked up and damn if it wasn't a young bald eagle...going after my head! The young ones are brown and smaller, and this guy was obviously confused! He landed in a tree a few yards ahead of me and watched me stand there.

I started walking a bit more, and that damn bird swooped at me again, coming from the front. Caught some of my hair this time and I am thankful I ducked or it would have taken off part of my scalp! I grabbed a big stick and started running, swinging that stick above my head the whole back to the car.

Funny thing is - what I was most worried about was not being hurt by a tangle with a young eagle, but that it would make the paper and how embarrassing that would be!

LaTeeDa

Wow TG. That's quite a story. My experience with eagles around here is that they don't like people at all. In fact, the photo at the top of this thread, where the eagle is on the utility pole, is the closest I've ever gotten to one. I was probably about 20-30 feet away. I just kept inching closer and it kept letting me. I was amazed. Of course I knew it would fly away eventually, and I was going to get the in-flight photo. Then, I lost my footing and had to look down to see where I was standing. Just my luck, it picked that moment to fly away and I missed the shot!

I would definitely be worried if one was swooping at me. Even a small one. Those talons are scary!

L

wicked

These pictures really make me relax, like I am there enjoying the raptors (love those talons)and the water, and the reflection of that duck.
What kind of duck is it?
Is your work for sale on line?
Besides, I would love to have some of your work, and brag to anybody that I know the artist!

Beth

Thank you again for lightening my day. I surely needed it.

LaTeeDa

Beth,

The bird is an American Coot. American Coot - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Not a duck, but about the same size as a small duck. They have white bills and red eyes. Very unusual looking birds.

I will pm you the link to my online gallery.

L

wicked

Thank you for the link. I think I have seen a coot or two around here,
but I didnt see their feet. That would give it away! But I have seen the strange head bobbing when on open water.

I love birds, all kinds. Waterfalls, bridges, moss, it all reminds me of the beautiful parts of western Pennsylvania.

Beth

sojourner

Wow = thank you so much.....

LaTeeDa

So, did I mention that I had to get up really early to get out the wildlife refuge while the birds were still active? Of course I did! But, what I didn't mention was that the upside of it was being in the right place to catch the sunrise on Mt. Shasta. Ahhhhhh. This is a stitched panorama of seven photos. What that does is make it large enough to print at 108" (nine feet!) Okay, so there probably isn't a huge market for nine foot photographs, but I think it's really cool that it can print that large.

L

wellwisher

Hey, I think a nine foot print would be the perfect solution for those who do video conferencing from a home based business (especially if they want to hide the washing machine in the background - lol)

shipsinthenite

your pictures are amazing. thank you for sharing!

Tuffgirl

Ohhh I love the mountain photo! So beautiful!