So, I was driving down the road

HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
edited October 22, 2005 in Wildlife
Hi you'll,

I was shooting in the Wetlands this morning. I got a late start so I had to skip breakfast. bncry.gif It was fairly quiet and I met these two Canon shooters who I've seen a few times. They were very excited because two eagles had just flown over and they were staking out their spot in anticipation of their return. They invited me to hang with them I declined and said I was going to bop down to MickyDs for a fast breakfast. They said I wasn't going to shoot any eagles at the Golden Arches. Then one said since I was shooting with a Nikon it really made no difference. That hurt. I wished them well and headed out to get me some breakfast.

and as I said I was driving down the road when I saw a vulture chowing down on some roadkill. Then the "vulture" lifted its white head. White head!!!!. Thats no vulture! That's a

40662866-L.jpg

Well that late armadillo had attracted 5 eagles so I came to a rather sudden stop and started shooting with my newly repaired D2h
40662858-L.jpg

40662860-L.jpg

40662862-L.jpg

I got back to the wetlands and found my Canon pals and told them about the eagles, Never saw two guys pack their gear and move so fast. I finished shooting and was headed out and I saw my pals again and I asked how they made out. They reported that the eagles had left by the time they got there. I felt bad for them. So I headed home and as I said before I was driving down the road when I saw

40662869-L.jpg

40662856-L.jpg

Life is good. icon10.gif
Harry
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
«1

Comments

  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited October 19, 2005
    Yeah...but I bet your stomach was growling. Still given the choice between a Baldy and an Egg McMuffin, I guess you chose wisely.mwink.gif

    You and your long lens are going to cost me yet!!!

    Terrific. thumb.gif
  • FrankFrank Registered Users Posts: 28 Big grins
    edited October 19, 2005
    Just BEAUTIFUL Harry!

    I think #4 is my favorite of this set.

    Looks like you put the head on backwards in Photoshop on the last one. :-)

    - Frank
    .... .- ...- . .- -. .. -.-. . -.. .- -.--
    "Whether you're rich or you're poor, it's nice to have Money!" - Alfred E. Newman
  • Phil U.Phil U. Registered Users Posts: 1,330 Major grins
    edited October 19, 2005
    Wow Harry... Wow.
    -Phil
    http://philu.smugmug.com
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 19, 2005
    Ric Grupe wrote:
    Yeah...but I bet your stomach was growling. Still given the choice between a Baldy and an Egg McMuffin, I guess you chose wisely.mwink.gif

    You and your long lens are going to cost me yet!!!

    Terrific. thumb.gif
    Thanks Ric. I can hear that long glass calling "Ric, Ric, take me home". rolleyes1.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • Awais YaqubAwais Yaqub Registered Users Posts: 10,575 Major grins
    edited October 19, 2005
    You are King in this mwink.gif amazing
    Thine is the beauty of light; mine is the song of fire. Thy beauty exalts the heart; my song inspires the soul. Allama Iqbal

    My Gallery
  • Trish323Trish323 Registered Users Posts: 908 Major grins
    edited October 19, 2005
    clap.gifclap.gifclap.gifclap.gifclap.gifclap.gif You are an amazing man...

    Driving down the road, Cigarette and cellphone in one hand, coffee, D2H w/500mm on board in the other, steering the car w/ your knees......AND you get shots like this..rolleyes1.gif

    WTG!thumb.gif Excellent shot ole' eagle eyesmwink.gif
  • Osprey WhispererOsprey Whisperer Registered Users Posts: 3,803 Major grins
    edited October 19, 2005
    Nice captures, Harry. Now I want you to try that trick on your bicycle....like I do. :uhoh thumb.gifthumb.gif Get ready........here comes Wilma. Yabba Dabba Dooooo.. ughm DON'T. Think I'll get some good BIF shots when she's here. eek7.gif


    BMP (Bicycle Mounted Photographer)
    Mike McCarthy

    "Osprey Whisperer"

    OspreyWhisperer.com
  • PossumCornerPossumCorner Registered Users Posts: 290 Major grins
    edited October 19, 2005
    Just brilliant
    But the roadkill aspect is sad, wildlife being killed off so badly (everywhere).
    I like No 1 as it shows his feet/toes so well, but would put 2 on a calendar.

    I speak for the vultures - they are great, why does everyone dump on vultures and the like as "carrion eaters" when majestic eagles aren't above a fast-food call at their horizontal Golden Arches (?White Lines).

    Talking calendars, Andy's Lulu info in the minding-business forum is great, is anyone doing a bird calender there (Lulu) or elsewhere??
    Possum Corner
    http://www.sherbrookephotography.smugmug.com
  • HiggmeisterHiggmeister Registered Users Posts: 909 Major grins
    edited October 19, 2005
    Nice captures Harry. I love Baldies, scavengers or not, they are beautiful. The crispness in your shots is:wow:wow. #4 is breathlessthumb.gif.

    Glad I saw this post,
    Chris

    A picture is but words to the eyes.
    Comments are always welcome.

    www.pbase.com/Higgmeister

  • keving54keving54 Registered Users Posts: 94 Big grins
    edited October 19, 2005
    Higgmeister wrote:
    Nice captures Harry. I love Baldies, scavengers or not, they are beautiful. The crispness in your shots is:wow:wow. #4 is breathlessthumb.gif.

    Glad I saw this post,
    Chris
    Great shots Harry,

    Excellent captures - really beautiful birds. And not so bad for a Nikon either.. ;-)

    BTW, what lens were you using? Don't know that much about eagles, but I wonder if they are skittish, or how close they let you approach them?
    Regards,
    Kevin
    My on-line Gallery:

    http://www.newhopeimages.com/
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 19, 2005
    Frank wrote:
    Just BEAUTIFUL Harry!

    I think #4 is my favorite of this set.

    Looks like you put the head on backwards in Photoshop on the last one. :-)

    - Frank
    Thanks Frank. The raptors are amazing with their ability to turn their heads. Linda Blair could have taken lessons from them.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 19, 2005
    Phil U. wrote:
    Wow Harry... Wow.
    Thank you Phil
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 19, 2005
    Awais Yaqub wrote:
    You are King in this mwink.gif amazing
    Thank you Awais. Always a pleasure to hear from you.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • erich6erich6 Registered Users Posts: 1,638 Major grins
    edited October 19, 2005
    Awesome shots Harry! Talk about being at the right plance and the right time! clap.gifclap.gif

    Erich
  • rahmonsterrahmonster Registered Users Posts: 1,376 Major grins
    edited October 19, 2005
    clap.gifStunning Harry. My he is a majestic bird isn't he? Very handsome. Did he offer you some breakfast?rolleyes1.gif
    www.tmitchell.smugmug.com

    Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life...Picasso
  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited October 19, 2005
    that's what I like, a Man of his words. You said he were going Machine gunning for Eagle and look what you brought home.

    Well done Boss ylsuper.gifbowdown.gif
    Benjamin
    My Galleries
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  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 19, 2005
    Trish323 wrote:
    clap.gifclap.gifclap.gifclap.gifclap.gifclap.gif You are an amazing man...

    Driving down the road, Cigarette and cellphone in one hand, coffee, D2H w/500mm on board in the other, steering the car w/ your knees......AND you get shots like this..rolleyes1.gif

    WTG!thumb.gif Excellent shot ole' eagle eyesmwink.gif
    You know when I think about it you're right I am pretty amazing. :lol4

    Nah, its just that a man has to do what a man has to do. :lol What the heck does that mean anyhow? ne_nau.gif

    It would have been a lot easier if they hadn't started building that damned Heritage Isle along the road. Since they started building that accursed place the traffic in that section has increased ridiculously. I lost more shots than I got because of cars whizzing by and blocking my shot and by scaring off the eagles.

    Next time you go down to the Wetlands keep an eye out along Wickham right before Heritage Isle. This is the 3rd time in two weeks that I've seen them along that stretch.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • GREAPERGREAPER Registered Users Posts: 3,113 Major grins
    edited October 19, 2005
    Great stuff Harry.

    At least the Eagles know enough to avoid those canon guys... blbl.gif
    http://dehmphoto.smugmug.com/

  • iceman17iceman17 Registered Users Posts: 246 Major grins
    edited October 20, 2005
    Ya done did it again Harry,fantastic job,I was gonna ask how you get so darn close but I see 700mm focals and I understand (then my heart skipps a beat).#4 is a wall hanger for sure,heck they all are but #4 realy works for me.Im gonna show my wife these shots in the morning and tell her that if I get me a lens like yours,,,well i'll think of something.
    I got another chance with a Bald Eagle the other day but he was still to far for any detail,bad lighting and all.
    Thanks for sharing these ,I need all the inspiration I can get...ice
    Us Nikon shooters gotta stick together.:D
    I took a picture once
    but they made me give it back.
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 20, 2005
    Bird Man Photographer wrote:
    Nice captures, Harry. Now I want you to try that trick on your bicycle....like I do. :uhoh thumb.gifthumb.gif Get ready........here comes Wilma. Yabba Dabba Dooooo.. ughm DON'T. Think I'll get some good BIF shots when she's here. eek7.gif


    BMP (Bicycle Mounted Photographer)
    Thanks Mike but I don't see myself trying to lug my 500mm on a bike. :uhoh
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • ShakeyShakey Registered Users Posts: 1,004 Major grins
    edited October 20, 2005
    Harry I dont think its fair snooker to bait them. And sooner or later the local fishmonger is going to realise there is something fishy in your seafood diet.:fish :D

    Tim
  • DeeDee Registered Users Posts: 2,981 Major grins
    edited October 20, 2005
    You should ask those canon guys to be mean to you again
    Who knows what will fly your way! Amazing shots -- I like the one where the eagle is looking straight at you as if to say, "Oh, a Nikon, well all right I'll give you a split second's pose."

    I think we have Eagles in the state of California, but I haven't seen one, so it's neat to see your photos!

    Cellphone, coffee and cigarettes? Geesh, you're a drivin' menace! rolleyes1.gif

    It's bad enough to have the camera and lens with you -- that's distraction enough!

    Great shots, and I'm glad the call for Mickey Ds led you to a great photo opp!
    http://www.deegolden.smugmug.com
    http://www.twitter.com/deegolden
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 20, 2005
    PossumCorner wrote:
    But the roadkill aspect is sad, wildlife being killed off so badly (everywhere).
    I like No 1 as it shows his feet/toes so well, but would put 2 on a calendar.

    I speak for the vultures - they are great, why does everyone dump on vultures and the like as "carrion eaters" when majestic eagles aren't above a fast-food call at their horizontal Golden Arches (?White Lines).

    Talking calendars, Andy's Lulu info in the minding-business forum is great, is anyone doing a bird calender there (Lulu) or elsewhere??
    Thanks. Its always sad for me to see roadkill because its not natural. At least it provides food for the carrion eaters.

    Vultures get a bad name because they are ugly. The caracara is a carrion eater also and gets a much better response.

    I was considering doing a calendar but its so close to the end of the year I'm not sure if it would be worth it.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 20, 2005
    Higgmeister wrote:
    Nice captures Harry. I love Baldies, scavengers or not, they are beautiful. The crispness in your shots is:wow:wow. #4 is breathlessthumb.gif.

    Glad I saw this post,
    Chris
    hey Chris,

    Thanks very much for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the shots.

    I loved shooting eagles! Every time I see them its like the first time. It is such a thrill. I have shot lots of birds these last few months and I sometimes start getting blasé about it. Then I see an eagle and the thrill is back.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 20, 2005
    keving54 wrote:
    Great shots Harry,

    Excellent captures - really beautiful birds. And not so bad for a Nikon either.. ;-)

    BTW, what lens were you using? Don't know that much about eagles, but I wonder if they are skittish, or how close they let you approach them?
    Regards,
    Kevin
    Hiya Kevin,

    I used my 80-400VR lens at 400mm for the first shot. I could have gotten to that one but a passing car scared both of us. The rest of the shots were taken at 700mm with my 500mm lens and the 1.4 TC
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 20, 2005
    erich6 wrote:
    Awesome shots Harry! Talk about being at the right plance and the right time! clap.gifclap.gif

    Erich
    Thank you Erich
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 21, 2005
    rahmonster wrote:
    clap.gifStunning Harry. My he is a majestic bird isn't he? Very handsome. Did he offer you some breakfast?rolleyes1.gif


    Thanks. He didn't offer breakfast but I could have helped myself to all the armadillo I wanted. :eat
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 21, 2005
    bfjr wrote:
    that's what I like, a Man of his words. You said he were going Machine gunning for Eagle and look what you brought home.

    Well done Boss ylsuper.gifbowdown.gif
    Thanks Ben. There's nothing like having the skill and the equipment to get these shots. Of course getting hungry for breakfast and the opportune placement of roadkill doesn't hurt either. biggrinbounce2.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 21, 2005
    GREAPER wrote:
    Great stuff Harry.

    At least the Eagles know enough to avoid those canon guys... blbl.gif

    Thanks Brian. Its a scientifc fact that bald eagles are turned off by white lenses. roflol.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 21, 2005
    iceman17 wrote:
    Ya done did it again Harry,fantastic job,I was gonna ask how you get so darn close but I see 700mm focals and I understand (then my heart skipps a beat).#4 is a wall hanger for sure,heck they all are but #4 realy works for me.Im gonna show my wife these shots in the morning and tell her that if I get me a lens like yours,,,well i'll think of something.
    I got another chance with a Bald Eagle the other day but he was still to far for any detail,bad lighting and all.
    Thanks for sharing these ,I need all the inspiration I can get...ice
    Us Nikon shooters gotta stick together.:D
    Thanks Ice. I could have gotten the shots with a 300-400mm lens but the 500mm really makes it a lot easier. I am also just very lucky to be living by the wetlands. Last year I ran into a photographer from Europe who was shooting there and he was amazed. He told me that there was no way he could ever get as close to an eagle in Europe as he could in the Wetlands.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
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