What a day yesterday was for raptor-watching. I've seen the pair of eagles on their nest and hunting and fishing more often. I caught one of them after it landed in a tree less than a 1/4 mile away from me. Doesn't it look like it has a cape on? Sort of vampire-ish...foggy day...though we're not in Forks.(Click on the pictures to see more detail.)
without scope, zoom lens
with scope, less than 1/4 mile away
with scope, 1/2 mile awayIt was foggy at the time, so they're gray day shots. And I'm still getting used to focusing through the scope, but I'm having fun while getting the knack of it.
What a difference a scope makes...
~Aerie-el
aren't bald eagles the best. The St. Louis area is a popular winter home for them. And I have a host of spottingg scope pictures of some too, but I can't find that CD. Darn!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your photos and for stopping by.
Those are so great. You are so lucky to be able to see them, and the scope shots really are so clear.
ReplyDeleteAerie-el,
ReplyDeleteGreat shots- I wish I had a scope, of course a SLR camera would be nice too- ah...some day :) And Forks? I knew there was something else besides your good blogging/gardening/birding that I liked and that's it...you must be a fan of vampire stories- me too! My daughter got me started on the books :)
I love them! Great shots.
ReplyDeleteHi, Great views, I have never got on with digiscoping but I must give it another go. Gary
ReplyDeleteI like your pics, and the ones in circles are cool! How exciting to get to see eagles in the wild!
ReplyDeleteOh am I ever jealous. Those are some gorgeous raptors you have there!
ReplyDeleteLast time we had a raptor in the neighborhood our chickens freaked the heck out and our kittens ran for the hills (their cat door).
I've always dreamed of being a falconer, though. Maybe someday I'll raise an injured hawk of some kind.
DNLee, That is great that you have bald eagles in St Louis too. I'm following your blog so I'll be able to see those photos if you post them.
ReplyDelete========
GP/Catherine, Thanks, and oh yes, we are really fortunate to see them. I'm finally learning how to tweak the focus thru the scope. It sure is nice when it works. :)
=========
Tessa, Have you read the Host yet? It's by the same author. I'm still on the library waiting list for Eclipse. :)
==========
Gran, Thanks!
===========
Gary, your photos are spectacular as they are. And I'll also look forward to seeing those you take with a scope.
==============
Sue, we are so thankful to live close enough to the city to enjoy all it offers, yet far enough in the country to have so much wildlife about. We've had bear around here--not our house, but within a half-mile of us. That's enough to keep us on our toes when we go outside!
=========
Genevieve, I can just imagine your critters scattering for cover! That would be incredible to help rehabilitate raptors. You'll have to let me know if you end up doing that...maybe start a blog about it...it could be the beginning of a whole new career!
===========
Thanks everyone for your comments. I love to read them all!!
~Aerie-el
Wow, how fun! Love that people admire birds now through scopes instead of actually shooting them! That eagle looks super stern, kind of like the one from the Muppets. :)
ReplyDeleteWow - those are amazing! I clicked on the photos to see the birds better. What is this 'scope' that you use?
ReplyDeleteKaren, you're right on both counts! We're hunters only by camera, binocs, and scope.
ReplyDelete===========
Tranquility, the scope was a treat to ourselves when we got a nice little tax return. We purchased the Swarovski angled spotting Scope at a specialty shop for "astronomy and sport optics" in Anacortes, but I bet there is a similar store near you. Hope you're able to check one out in person sometime.
==
~Aerie-el