Southeast Missouri Bald Eagles

 I really couldn't think of a title for this blog. Something that pertains to the post, but also something that's catchy. I feel like I only accomplished the former. Anyways, my sister and I went to the same Eagle's nest yesterday in hopes of seeing the Eagles out of their nest. To our surprise, there they were... flying around in the sky!

I tried like hell to adjust the settings on my camera in time to catch one of the Eagles in flight. While I didn't get loads of actual in flight photos, I did manage to capture one of the Eagles landing on the tree next to their nest. I don't have many Eagle photos to compare these to, but I can without a doubt say that these are the best Bald Eagle pictures I've ever gotten. 

I won't bore you with too many more details, I'll just attach a few of the pictures that I edited and labeled for Facebook - hence why the tag is different.

Bald Eagle in flight!

Bald Eagle getting ready to land.

Bald Eagle landing with wings spread.

I'm done with the weird caption. Check out how magnificent these guys are!

The wingspan on Bald Eagles is insane!

This is probably my favorite picture of the Bald Eagle landing.

And lastly, both Bald Eagles perched on the branches above their nest.

Full Moon State Of Mind

 The moon was so bright last night. With it being 100% illumination, it's pretty obvious as to why. I love full moons on clear nights, especially in the wintertime. The sky always looks so much more crisp and clear. It's really too bad the Milky Way isn't visible in the winter months, it would make for some amazing photos.

Last night was the perfect opportunity for me to test out my new tripod on my telephoto lens. I can usually get hand held shots of the moon, but only with a high ISO. I prefer a slower shutter speeds when taking pictures of the sky, but shooting with a shutter of around 400 and an ISO around 1200 works just as well.

Of course, I took a couple dozen photos, but narrowed it down to just 4 clear shots. I also cropped them all as my tele only going to 300mm. Hope you enjoy!

PS... My uncles knee surgery was today and everything went great!

Here's the gorgeous full moon on March 5th, 2023.

I need a longer telephoto.

I should just get a mount for my telescope - way cheaper.

That stupid logo of mine is all over the place. I forgot that I cropped these pictures, so the resolution is different in each one. Classy.

Eagle's Nest

 I was turned on to a local Eagle's Nest by someone that came in the store I once worked at. It wasn't until I tried to find an Eagle last week that I remembered it. The details in my mind were very few, but I had a general idea as to where it was. Mind you, I did get terrified a time or two due to all the curves, turns and forks.

Luckily everything worked out and I was able to find the place. I took my telephoto lens with me in hopes of catching a shot, but there were no Eagles to be seen. It wasn't until LaVaughn noticed an Eagle head inside the next in one of her photos. I zoomed in on a couple of mine and, sure enough, there was an Eagle. These pictures are definitely not the best, but at least it was worth the drive. 

I'd like to go back next week or the week after on a warmer, sunnier evening to try and see them outside their next. Fingers crossed!

Here are the not so good pics:

Here's the Eagle's Nest and the tiny Eagle head popping.

Here's the Eagle's Nest from a distance. The picture doesn't do it justice, but this thing is gigantic.

There's a better shot of the Eagle's head.

I'm assuming this is mom and dad is off hunting for his family.

I never would have imagined that an Eagle would make a nest in such opened and exposed place.

I'm fairly certain this tree is dead as well.

But perhaps it's the strongest tree in the area.

I really have no knowledge when it comes to an Eagle's Nest.

I guess it just blows my mind that there's an actual, visual Eagle's Nest in Annapolis, MO.

Last Eagle's Nest picture for the week. Hopefully you can zoom in enough to see the Eagle's head.