The focus isn't terrific but this is the best of my pictures of Donald the Golden Eagle. I mentioned yesterday the surprising difference in the talon size between Golden and Bald Eagles. I remembered today a bit of information about their talons. Bald Eagles take food from a primarily aquatic environment. Their talons do well with fish which make up the majority of their diets. Golden Eagles hunt away from the water taking land animals and they require longer talons to safely take their prey. I learned that the primary food source for the Goldens that over winter in south-eastern Minnesota is Wild Turkeys.
I would be thrilled to see a Golden Eagle in the wild. Some day...
I think this is Angel. This eagle was very animated and was watching the eagles flying over the Mississippi River with great focus.
This eagle was very quiet and held itself in a very upright posture.
Here Columbia is being fed some tasty rabbit. 
We did see quite a few eagles along the highway between Redwing and Wabasha. There were quite a few immature birds feeding on fish along the edge of the ice on the river.
Finally we spotted a beautiful mature Bald Eagle sitting in a tree top alongside the road. We pulled over and I raised my camera slowly to get a picture...
29 comments:
The Bald Eagle is such a majestic bird,even when he only shows his back side.
Blessings,Ruth
Super photos! They really are regal birds. I can only imagine the excitement you felt seeing those eagles up close and those soaring in the sky.
Look how straight he is. All the photos are great. It is so exciting to get to be so close to one. I saw one like that a year ago at the Birding FotoFest in Fla, but they only had one there.
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I would have loved to watch your face, eyeing the eagles. I've never seen them in the wild - only at the Carolina Raptor Center. Both the Balds and Goldens took my breath away. I must have stood there for 30 minutes watching them look at me. Awesome. You have great photos here!
I LOVE all of the photos. Such magnificent birds! I have to see an eagle this year, I just have to!
Oooooooo...I want one! I will feed bloody rabbit bits! Me! Me!
Ooooooh wow! Love the eagle in flight. They are gorgeous birds and my mom's favorite. I'm sending her over to your blog for an eagle fix!
Nice tail shot! (I'm thrilled with any angle.) I love that photo showing more than one eagle flying over the water. Wonderful sight.
What an incredible opportunity to get some close ups of the eagle. I enjoyed learning a little about their feeding habits and adaptations. Your final shot of the eagle in flight is perfect!
Oh, how beautiful Lynne, and what a great shot that last one is of those gorgeous tail feathers!
I'd love to visit there someday! I'm always after Eagle photos, but they are so wary around here. Once in a great while, I get lucky. I've posted a few on my blog. You have some very nice photos there, and thank you for sharing.
Wonderful photos sharing your trip. Great inflight shot at the end!
That's the way it always goes!
I saw a juvenile bald eagle this morning when we were waiting for the school bus.
Lynne, I can only think of two words appropriate for your photos and the birds you photographed -- WOW! and AWESOME! Thanks for sharing with us.
Neat photos & descriptions. Thank you, Lynne!
What great shots! All my eagle memories are from a resort that my aunt and uncle used to own in northern Wisconsin (Eagle River--natch!) There were many, many eagle nests in the tall pines surrounding the main lodge.
When I was very young my older brother used to scare me by saying their eyesight wasn't too good and to them, I looked just like a chipmunk so I better watch out!! I would always look skyward and make a mad dash when I was out in the open...
Lynne: Great photos! Raptors are always near and dear to my heart.
Carolyn H.
OMG look at your photos - how awesome!!! What an amazing bird.
You got it in flight! You go girl!
Thanks for sharing details of your visit to the eagle center. I wonder if they ever let patrons feed the eagle the food. Probably not for insurance sake, but that would be fun :)
I loved the eagle flying away! Great post.
Lynne, I so enjoyed seeing your Eagle photos! Lucky you!!!
Just today someone was telling me where I could go to see some in my area. Hopefully I'll make it before they leave.
These are just great Lynne!
I have never seen one in the wild. So your shots give me that pleasure.
Lynne,
What great photos and I loved the info that you shared. Never knew that goldens ate wild turkeys during the winter..those are some bigggg birds to tackle.
Glad you had a good time..love that last shot..what a wing span!!
Hola Lynne!
Eagles are stunning birds, I've never seen any in the wild :(
Thanks for the info!
Besos,
Mel
p.s. only 14 days left! :)
I just love seeing them up close like that! Stunning and great to see them out in the wild also!
I did not know that Golden Eagles have longer talons than Bald. You have taught me something today. Nice head shot of the bald eagle. I had to laugh at your commentary and then the photo at the end. Of course he flew away! LOL!
I'm so glad you shared these! I loved the photo of "Angel" - I think she's my favorite!
Oh wow, those photos are awesome. I've never seen an eagle up close and personal in my life. Thanks so much for sharing.
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