Saginaw Valley Eagles
Jan 30, 2020 13:53:50 #
Recently went out to our local rivers to check for eagle activity as we should be approaching nest activity time. I especially enjoy this time of year in Mid-Michigan as it is easier to observe the eagles. First, there are no leaves on the trees and second, annoying turkey vultures are all gone south. It's also a good time to check for nests and I know of at least 18 in my local area. I am always amazed at how such huge nests can seem to disappear in late April and May when the leaves come back out. My hope this year is to observe and note which nests are now abandoned(at least a handful) and which are active and successful. A few offer good photo opportunities but at all times I make sure there is no chance I am disturbing the nest. Generally I am hesitant to post as there are so many excellent photos on this site it can be intimidating to try to match the detail in them. But it is National Bald Eagle Watch Month now and in honor of that I post these. The first I spotted from my car and was initially surprised it didn't fly and tried to get a few pictures until, well... it did fly. The second was also from my car within a couple hundred feet of a nest that was successful last year. While I have a lot more to learn I believe it is this challenge that is part of what makes nature photography so enjoyable and I intend to make it a major part of my retirement. Happy shooting!
These were shot with a Canon 7D and Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary. Editing attempts made with Luminar 3.
These were shot with a Canon 7D and Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary. Editing attempts made with Luminar 3.
Jan 30, 2020 14:31:59 #
Nice set.
May I inquire as to preferred locations? That one big bay!
May I inquire as to preferred locations? That one big bay!
Jan 30, 2020 17:26:01 #
Thanks! These were shot on the Saginaw River between the Z bridge and Bay City. First one was on M13 and there is a nest right in the woods next to the bridge. The other was the other side of the river near Crow Island State Game area. I also see nests on the Tittabawassee River between Saginaw and Midland. There’s also the Shiawasee National Wildlife Refuge just south of Saginaw.
Jan 30, 2020 17:27:09 #
Feb 1, 2020 20:30:40 #
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