We made the trip to Lake of the Clouds today, but it was pouring rain and super windy. About 50º so it was very cold and we weren't about to try to shoot in that type of weather. So we drove instead. And came across some bald eagles along the way. They were very patient, but we inadvertently chased this one from one side of the road to another, where he landed on the top of this tree that really didn't much have the strength to support him. After much flailing, he finally balanced himself and I got a few shots. Just beautiful .. it's so great to see these things in the wild. I mean, up in Alaska they're common, but in Nevada we only see them during calving season, mostly. These were just eagles living in the wild, natural forests of northern Michigan.

Tonight went very well, too, for those of you watching and waiting. :) Everyone got along well, everything went pretty smooth .. it was truly decent. I have been a bundle of nerves until tonight and now I'm relaxing with Jeremy on the bed, watching Cold Case and enjoying some Mike's Hard Lemonade.

Have I mentioned that life is good?

Thanks, everyone, for the good thoughts and wishes. Tomorrow we hit the Keweenaw!

Some of you know that I took a shot of an eagle a few weeks ago that I was insanely proud of. It was one of those right time, right place situations, and I was really floating on a cloud for about a week after I shot it. For a larger view of what you see above (including the detail of the snow falling from his talons as he takes off), please see www.geminaigraphics.com/eagle-sm.jpg (sorry, I can't seem to get links to work for me here anymore, so you'll have to copy/paste).

Well, being so proud of it, I entered it into an Outdoor Photographer contest that I haven't a snowball's chance in hell of winning, but it could be possible for me to get a Viewer's Choice showing. I know this is out of character for me, but getting an image associated with OP would be soooo good for my portfolio!

While my photo is nowhere near the best on these pages, many of the images seem to be zoo/reserve photos, and I'm at least very proud that all of my submissions are 100% wild and natural. If you are so inclined and willing to help me try to make a Viewer's Choice position in the OP contest, please go to:

http://www.outdoorphotographermag.com/lowepro/wildlife_gallery.asp?start=451

and vote for my Juvenile Bald Eagle In Flight.

You can only vote for one image, so I'm hoping it's mine. ;) Also, voting closes April 2, so if you are intending to vote, please do so before then!

Thanks in advance for your help! I'm keeping my fingers crossed (well, the non-shutter-pushing fingers, anyway) :)

Juvenile bald eagles held court this morning in one of the local ranchers' fields. At one time we counted 10-12 eagles in the field, most of them juveniles. We were pretty far away from them, so the photos aren't great, but I thought I'd show you the kinds of things we got to witness this morning.

I'm thinking if I were that magpie, I'd just let the eagle HAVE that carcass! This little bird's got balls. :)

I LOVE our new lens! Caught this guy sitting on a post right outside of town. He was fairly close to the highway, allowing me some time to practice with the new lens. I love it, I love it, I love it. My old lens would NEVER have focused on the eagle in flight, but this one, SUPER fast! I'm hoping I'll be able to get some great shots once the eagles are here in full force.