Bald Eagles In Springtime

The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a large bird of prey found in North America and northern Mexico. It prefers habitat close to large... more

by Morris Finkelstein

Title

Bald Eagles In Springtime

Artist

Morris Finkelstein

Medium

Photograph

Description

The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a large bird of prey found in North America and northern Mexico. It prefers habitat close to large bodies of water associated with close-by tall trees. An adult Bald Eagle measures about 31 inches in length, about 7 feet in wingspan, and about 9.5 pounds in weight. It is a powerful and fast flier, reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Plumage is mostly dark brown with a white head and tail. The feet, beak and eyes are yellow. The Bald Eagle feeds mostly on fish and sometimes on waterfowl and mammals. The lifespan of a Bald Eagle in the wild is about 20 years, and considerably longer in captivity. The Bald Eagle is the national bird and symbol of the United States, and together with the Golden Eagle, is considered sacred in some Native American cultures.

This pair of immature Bald Eagles (second year on top and third year on bottom) with their wings extended as they landed on branches was photographed in the morning at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, in West Alton, Missouri on 4-7-2021. I used a Nikon D850 camera body and a Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens to capture this image. Settings: 1/3200 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1100. This 3,700 acre sanctuary located on the Mississippi River watershed is managed jointly by the Audubon Center at Riverlands and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

I am honored that my photograph was featured in the Fine Art America groups:
Wonder Of Wings, 4-17-2021
FAA Portraits - Birds, 4-21-2021
Wildlife One-A-Day, 5-4-2021
Go Take A Hike Photography, 5-7-2021
10 Plus, 7-15-2021

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Uploaded

April 14th, 2021