~ Wings of Glory ~

Majestic eagles soar the skies with a watchful eye in search of fish at the mouth of Big Beef Creek. Avid hunters equipped with sharp talons and hooked bills, they strike with amazing precision and speed to apprehend their prey.

~ Majestic Monachs ~

~ Eagle Eye ~

Eagles, like all birds, have color vision. An eagle's eye is almost as large as a human's, but its sharpness is at least four times that of a person with perfect vision. That means that an eagle flying at an altitude of 1000 feet over open country could spot prey over an area of almost 3 square miles from a fixed position.

~ The Raptor ~

Juvenile Bald Eagles have a distinctive brown and white plumage over their body, with dark beaks and brown eyes. They typically mature in five years and will usually live for fifteen years as adults.

~ Supreme Power ~

The eagles dominated the mouth of Big Beef Creek where the fish would make their way up to spawn. On numerous occasions, I watched a Blue Heron or a Seagull drop their fish and flee when an eagle got too close.

~ Tactical Maneuver ~

~ Close Pursuit ~

Two friends and I walked out on the Port Orchard waterfront on a low tide wearing rubber boots and were sinking in mud about 6" inches deep with every step. When we got within about 60 yards he launched from a dock piling and flew across the bay. It was an experience I'll never forget.

~ Wild and Free ~

~ Showdown ~

This pesky crow would constantly swoop down at this eagle from all directions in an attempt to get an easy meal.

~ Sea Search ~

Big Beef Creek, Seabeck, Washington

~ Tip to Tip ~

Photographing these magnificent birds of prey in the wild with two of my friends was a good learning experience and a memory that will last a lifetime. The typical wingspan of an adult is 5.5 ft to 7.5 ft.

~ Touching Down ~

I wanted to capture this eagle with his talons opened just before he touched down on the oyster beds. I was just a split-second too late adjusting my zoom and getting my camera to focus. The one thing I’ve learned about photographing wildlife - “you’re either ready or not.”

~ Wings of Power ~

~ Blue Heron ~

Seabeck, Washington

~ Northern Harrier Hawk ~

~ Worth The Wait ~

Turkey Vulture scans the beaches of Puget Sound.