Super User RoLo Posted March 17, 2011 Super User Posted March 17, 2011 Though we see bald eagles on nearly every fishing trip, they rarely give me a decent photo op. But last weekend Lois and I got real lucky. A bald eagle apparently spotted a bluegill that was about 50 ft from our boat. What followed was a unique experience. The eagle plunged into the lake next to our boat, but it came up empty. It flew away and then lit in a live oak tree that was too far away for taking pictures. To my surprise, the eagle then returned to pursue the very same fish. It was not happy with our presence, and tried to drive me off the spot, but that was never going to happen. This eagle was so determined that it plunged several times into the water next to our boat. Although it looked hopeless for the eagle, it was extremely persistent and ultimately captured that bluegill. Unfortunately, I missed the critical seconds when the eagle left with the bluegill. I'm grateful just the same for the images I got, and most were taken within 100 feet of the camera. It was a show we'll never forget! ============================================================= After resting in an oak tree, this was the eagle's second empty air strike. This was the third missed attempt, and the first time I seen a bald eagle in this awkward position. This would be the fourth time the big bird plopped into the exact same spot in the lake. Each time it groveled in the lake and beat it wings, it was a stubborn devil that refused to resign to failure. At one point, the big raptor remained motionless on the water for nearly a full minute. This had me convinced that the eagle was just marking time. I laid my camera down for one moment to bite my sandwich...Big mistake. Just then the eagle emerged from the lake for the fourth time. Only this time it had a plump bluegill in its talons. BOY, are they good! Roger[b/] Quote
Daniel My Brother Posted March 17, 2011 Posted March 17, 2011 Outstanding pictures and post. Nicely done. Quote
Super User SoFlaBassAddict Posted March 17, 2011 Super User Posted March 17, 2011 Fantastic pics, RoLo. I bet that was absolutely amazing to see happen next to you. Pictures like these are the reason I truly love the outdoors. Quote
Super User Goose52 Posted March 17, 2011 Super User Posted March 17, 2011 WOW - great photos Roger - thanks very much for posting! Two days ago I was watching a bald eagle working for his dinner at the lake I was fishing - it was too far away for photos though. I got skunked but seeing the eagle made my day - I don't see them too often here. Quote
Global Moderator Bluebasser86 Posted March 17, 2011 Global Moderator Posted March 17, 2011 Awesome pictures! I saw one the other day while I was trout fishing that let me get within 50 feet of the tree it was in eating a fresh caught trout. It was great to see one up close like that and see that at least someone was catching fish :. Quote
Super User Grey Wolf Posted March 17, 2011 Super User Posted March 17, 2011 Thanks for the great pictures !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote
Ima Bass Ninja Posted March 17, 2011 Posted March 17, 2011 Sweet pics man!! i really like the 3rd one where he's focused on his target and ready to dive Quote
Super User RoLo Posted March 17, 2011 Author Super User Posted March 17, 2011 Thanks guys and gals for your kind words, I only wish you could've been there. While watching the fishing skills and courage of this great bird, it made me think about Ben Franklin. During the selection process for our national emblem, Ben's choice was the wild turkey. In a letter to his daughter, he stated that bald eagles steal fish from other birds and have poor moral character. Ben's point is well taken, but this was one bald eagle capable of doing his own fishing Roger Quote
Super User Dwight Hottle Posted March 17, 2011 Super User Posted March 17, 2011 RoLo thanks for sharing those pictures they truely capture the spirit of the bald eagle. Quote
MaineBassMan Posted March 17, 2011 Posted March 17, 2011 Those are great pictures! They are an awsome bird of prey to watch in action. Quote
Super User Shane J Posted March 17, 2011 Super User Posted March 17, 2011 Those are some amazing shots! Very cool! Quote
Super User KU_Bassmaster. Posted March 18, 2011 Super User Posted March 18, 2011 Outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote
GrundleLove Posted March 18, 2011 Posted March 18, 2011 Wanna know how badass our emblem? It survived a collision at 60MPH Quote
bocabasser Posted March 19, 2011 Posted March 19, 2011 gorgeous bird, gorgeous photos roger. i love seeing eagles when i fish the kissimmee chain and istokpoga. Quote
Super User RoLo Posted March 19, 2011 Author Super User Posted March 19, 2011 gorgeous bird, gorgeous photos roger. i love seeing eagles when i fish the kissimmee chain and istokpoga. Right on the mark Bruce, it took place in Lake Kissimmee. To be exact, at Brahma Island in the backwaters of East Bay. Roger Quote
shootermcbob Posted March 19, 2011 Posted March 19, 2011 Wow. Fantastic pictures. Thanks for sharing. Quote
Super User Lund Explorer Posted March 19, 2011 Super User Posted March 19, 2011 Great Pics Roger, We've got a couple of nesting pairs up here in the summer, but I've never had them that close to me. I'll bet there are a few new backgrounds on computer screens by now. Good Job! Quote
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