Today I took my friend Carol and her Mom out to Ridgefield. It was Mom’s first time to the place and I always enjoy introducing a person to the variety and wonders of the refuge. We saw that the sky was clearing and felt fortunate – it’s been awhile since I’ve seen sun at Ridgefield. My spirits picked up almost immediately.
We headed around our first loop and I was surprised when we saw some hooded mergansers in the slough just before the remote “comfort station”. They were being elusive and I hoped that other cars in the area would spook them into reversing their path and coming back into a clearing where we were set up. It worked. A female came by first and it was the first time I’ve ever been able to photograph a hooded merganser. Bingo. Then the male and another female swam past. I’ve looked at the images and will find a couple to post in another blog entry but they need some work. The white breast of the male is blown out and probably will not be recoverable… did I say it was sunny? Anyway, those will come (probably) soon.
We went almost an entire loop before we saw a heron. Mom sure enjoyed seeing the bigger birds. A red tail hawk, a harrier, a couple of buffle heads, lots of geese, swans, a distant kestrel and a few red-winged blackbirds entertained us as we drove slowly around and enjoyed the day.
As we approached the blind/bathroom area on our second lap I saw what I thought was another hawk in the trees on the right side of the road. It was low in the tree and I was trying to figure out if it was worth trying to get positioned to get a shot. I knew it would be against a blue sky or maybe against some light clouds to the north. There were a few cars behind us to think about as well. Then I saw that it wasn’t a hawk at all. It was a mature Bald Eagle. Holy cow… great light on a mature bald eagle. I couldn’t get into position quickly enough. After I few (dozen) shots I moved the car to allow others to pass. One old couple kind of gave us a glare… so sorry Chap. I re-positioned the car and we set about taking more photos. One more move to allow another car by and then a third session with the eagle. What a magnificent bird. I’ve always wanted a shot of an eagle that was (a) sharp and (b) exposed properly so the white feathers in the neck and cap were detailed. I now have about 50 of those files and I’m thrilled. Here are three of my favorites.
The last time I went to Ridgefield with Carol we got to see a mature Bald Eagle take a duck home for dinner. Today I get to see and photograph this majestic bird like never before. I have to think that Carol is a good luck charm for eagles. Whatever or who ever is behind this, thanks. T’was another great trip to Ridgefield.
You’re spoiled to have seen the sun at the refuge! I was about to think they were going to put it on the endangered list. Great shots Bruce!
Glorious set of eagle shots, Bruce! Congrats and well done! This could be one of the pair that appears to be building a nest at the refuge. The shot with the bill open makes me wonder if the bird was vocalizing to its mate. Awesome photos!
Wow what a beauty. Gorgeous bird and wonderful shots. Well done. What a delightful day to get out there and to get such a magnificent bird.
I can almost hear the cry in that last shot, Bruce. That cry sounds very similar to the one our daughter’s half-Scottie/half-Cairn puts out in her excitement at the prospect of a walk, or walking by a neighbor’s yard having a competing dog!! Definitely a magnificent bird and you got some incredible shots!