Bucket List: A Bald Eagle in Siletz Bay 2.19.12

There is a place in Lincoln City tucked in the middle of sea side houses where the Siletz Bay moves in and out over the driftwood covered beach. I go to this place every time I visit Lincoln City and I am never disappointed. One of the best parts of this area is the amazing wildlife that I see each time. In past visits I have seen cranes and various sea birds, as well as seals. This time I was lucky to see a bald eagle and even more amazing to capture a few photos.

My dad has a background with birds of prey and his passion has led me to be fascinated with these amazing animals. Photographing a bald eagle has been on my bucket list for a while now and I felt privileged to get this opportunity. I noticed a larger bird flying with the seagulls and being pestered by them. When the larger bird landed I was shocked to see it was a bald eagle. Despite the wind and my telephoto lens being a difficult combination, I feel accomplished to have got this shot before the eagle flew away.

I am pretty pleased with these images, what do you think?

Settings: ISO 200, 250mm, ss1/640, f/7.1 (full manual, sunlight wb)

I could not resist taking the above photo and cropping it.

I love the texture of his or her feathers!

I think he was checking out the lady with the camera :o)!

Settings: ISO 200, 250mm, ss1/640, f/7.1 (full manual, sunlight wb)

And the cropped close up...

"It's a great event to get outside and enjoy nature. I find it very exciting no matter how many times I see bald eagles." - Karen Armstrong