A male Bald Eagle (now named Albert) was brought in to the veterinary clinic where my mom works a few days ago. Apparently some hikers found it with a broken wing and in pretty rough shape, so they brought it to the clinic. The wing has been fixed, and is healing well. My mom has to re-bandage the wing, as well as stretch the eagles muscles to keep it from atrophying. I stopped in to have a peek Sunday morning as she fed it and did her daily checkup. It's a pretty awesome thing to stand less than two feet from such an incredible bird. I intentionally left the photo somewhat dark to hide the large cage that is the his temporary home. He should be free to go very soon.
What a great shot, what a profile. I know it is amazing just to see these birds in the wild and to see and be so close must be even more amazing. As I look at Albert I wonder what is it like for him to be so vulnerable and uncertain about his future and what are these beings going to do to me? Does he sense your mom's intentions to just be helpful. Nature is so fascinating. I had to catch a finch which had found its way into our mudroom and as I held it in my hand I could sense that it was of course scared but also relieved that I was helping it get free.
Fantastic portrait, I think I like it so much because it is so dark, which contrasts with the eagle's white head. I also like how the dark feathers near the bottom fade into the background. Way to make the most of the opportunity of being so close to an eagle. Here's wishing best of luck to Albert!
Andy - This was shot handheld and kneeling, f/7.1, 1/15th , iso1250. No flash. Mostly window light from above and behind me.
It was interesting to see him react to my mom. As she entered the cage, he definitely became "on guard" but he was not defensive or aggressive. My mom said that he has gotten used to her being around and that she feels he can sense her good intentions. She fed him a few frozen herring to get him up on a perch for me to get some photos, but as soon as I entered, he pivoted around quickly on the perch and watched me over the shoulder as you see here. I grabbed a few frames and let him be. To be quite honest, I was a bit intimidated. He has some seriously wicked looking talons.
On a side note, my mom's clinic has rehabbed a few eagles over the years, as well as many other birds of prey. She expects Albert to make a full recovery. He should be able to return to the wild soon.
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7 repliesAndy
Andy - This was shot handheld and kneeling, f/7.1, 1/15th
It was interesting to see him react to my mom. As she entered the cage, he definitely became "on guard" but he was not defensive or aggressive. My mom said that he has gotten used to her being around and that she feels he can sense her good intentions. She fed him a few frozen herring to get him up on a perch for me to get some photos, but as soon as I entered, he pivoted around quickly on the perch and watched me over the shoulder as you see here. I grabbed a few frames and let him be. To be quite honest, I was a bit intimidated. He has some seriously wicked looking talons.
On a side note, my mom's clinic has rehabbed a few eagles over the years, as well as many other birds of prey. She expects Albert to make a full recovery. He should be able to return to the wild soon.