An Eagle Came to Fish - Part I and Part II

 

Sometimes I search for Bald Eagles.  Other times, they just find me. 

 

After two weeks of extensive, successful "searching", I was out one morning with my guard down, photographing ducks, when this juvenile bald eagle came swooping out of a tree and circled over the lake.  I estimate this eagle to be around four years old, as this is the year it's mottled feathers begin acquiring the trademark white tail and head feathers and a yellowish tinge to it's beak.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After circling a few times, the eagle assumed the striking position and began to descend, talons first.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                         The eagle skimmed the surface successfully, but....

      Oops!  It dropped it's fish!  In my favor, I knew it would circle once more to try again to catch it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                This time, it caught it's fish, then flew off with it.

                                                                            Part II


After a few minutes, I left this spot and drove around the lake to another vantage point to photograph ducks.  Imagine my surprise when I noticed the eagle perched on a tree at this new spot!  And imagine my surprise when it took to the air again, flying directly in front of me!