Mommy and the kids

I was sitting in my backyard when this family went by me on their way home after a day of foraging. I had to get my camera and that set the nervous mom to walking a little faster, but I think I did pretty good anyhow.

olc

A leaf in ice

I was sitting in my back yard when these guys passed by on their way home from a days foraging. Unfortunately, I had to get my camera and that started Mommy and they all started to walk away. I think they were about 75 feet from me when I finally got this image. No PP, just straight from the camera.


olc

So there I am at the super market and I hear a couple talking about see a bald eagle. My ears begin to burn and I eavesdrop a little hoping to learn where the sighting is. No luck. Finally I draw up my courage and ask them where they saw the birds. They were nice enough to to tell me a general location.

Segway a few hours, actually the next morning and it is really cold—I hate cold weather and this is one reason I moved Asheville. (well the best laid plans and all…), I am close to where I think I may have a chance to see the eagles. It is cold and the sky is calm with nothing flying higher then a foot off the water. Like I said I do not like the cold so I have lots of cloths on which all culminate in jeans worn til there are holes and a hoody sweatshirt and fleece vest. I did not do this on purpose, but think of Jax in Sons of Anarchy. I am walking around the park, with camera in hand, and finally realizing what some one might think when a park ranger just sorta shows up to look over some lights near by. 

I take inventory.

So I go over to the guy and ask him about the eagles. He still does not loosen up, but he stays around and tries to look like he is doing something besides checking me out. Finally, he sees my camera and tripod and I see his shoulders relax a little. We talk and he says that he thinks the eagles have nested over there someplace, but they come by the park and hunt. Now we are talking! I have some kind of idea as to game plan.

I tell him I understand about disturbing Bald Eagles and their nest, but that I really want to get a few shots. He begins to relax  even more and tells me about a hunt he witnessed. I asked what time did this happen. Middle of the day, was his reply. This blows my idea of dawn or dusk.

Now for the reason why I am posting this here. “About time,” you think rather loudly! Does any one out there have any enlightenment as to the habits of Bald Eagles in Western NC?


OLC