They said sunny at first, clouds moving in later. But it was cloudy early and sunny later. I didn’t see much, but you never know, I usually see something to make it worth it. I had one last chance before I called it quits with nothing to show for my troubles, the Eagle’s nest.
I saw a perched Eagle up from the nest looking down. I moved out to give some distance and then she took off and before I could get focus, she dove straight down and grabbed a fish! I couldn’t catch until she was flying away. Then she did a fly-around to show off the catch and then landed in the nest and started to feed her young. That’s when I got this photo. She has 3 chicks again as usual.
perched eagle in nest area took off, then did a quick dive and I lost him, and he grabbed a fish and I may have caught up with him then. So that was it, about the only photos for the day. It was a quiet day on the river, I could hear songbirds, but they stayed hidden nest building. I am still trying to get used to my new R5II and I am missing some shots, but I think it will pay off at some point.
Bald Eagle feeding chicks
The Rock River is dropping pretty fast, it’s at about 7′ where 4′ is normal. Normal makes it hard to get around in this area and drifting is much better then. With high water I drift too fast, can’t stop and no shore for birds and critters. There is a thick layer of mud everywhere from the flood. The water was clear, not muddy like last time out.
Perched eagle looking for fish
I had a huge Asian Carp try to jump in my boat, hitting me in the leg and splashing water all over me. It bounced back in. Those are invasive species and bad news for the most part as they take over. But their fry do feed other fish and it gives pelicans something to eat besides bass. They can be dangerous if you get hit while running the river and they mess the balance up for other fish.
Eagle Feeding Chicks
My little dog Herbie went this morning. He is getting old and doesn’t go with me as much now. He does great in the boat and I think it helps having him with me, wildlife doesn’t feel threatened by him.
