Eagle in Flight

Wildlife photography requires finding the opportunity and waiting patiently for an outstanding shot. 

Bald eagle soars along the Mere Point shore in Brunswick, Me. (© Michael Maher).

The Photo

Although the bald eagle is no longer considered an endangered species, it is still exciting when you get to see one of these regal birds up close. Along Casco Bay in Maine, residents have identified a few eagles’ nests high in the trees on both the mainland and offshore islands. They can use binoculars to catch a glimpse of the eagles in their nests or flying overhead, but the view is usually from quite far away. A family member spied this eagle standing on the shoreline, probably searching for fish or food scraps, but I hadn’t brought my very long lens. Looking constantly through my viewfinder with only a 200MM lens, I slowly and quietly walked toward the eagle, trying not to scare it away.  When I got as close to it as I dared, I patiently remained motionless and shot several pictures of the eagle standing.  I don’t know if my presence scared it, or if it simply decided to change locations, but after a while, it abruptly flew off, and I was able to capture a few photographs of the eagle in flight. Whatever its reason for leaving, the photograph of the eagle in flight was far better than any of it standing on the shore.

Three Tips

1) Don’t assume you can only photograph wildlife with an extremely long lens.

2) Position yourself as close as you can, without being intrusive and scaring the wildlife away.

3) Once you are in position, shoot many different types of photos, especially close-ups, of the animals standing still and in motion.