Unexpected Beauty~American Bald Eagle

Moniac, Georgia USA

It had been dreary weather for days. I knew I needed the feeling of fresh air on my skin and the warmth of sunshine on my face. Stepping out onto the front porch was like sanctuary after the overcast and cold rains had blew away into the night.

I gazed out over the pines in front of me as I always do. Wondering once again when they will someday be a empty field of undergrowth and barren. Wondering when the timber company will take away the scenic view before me. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted something moving. It was a large bird that perched itself onto the branch of a pine tree just off in the distance. It was not close enough to tell what species it was, but I darted for my camera and popped on my longest lens.

At first I thought, no way. It has to be a hawk or a buzzard, then I walked into the center of my yard and zoomed in closer. It was a eagle! What an unexpected beauty. This was the second time in my life that I had caught and eagle in a photographic moment. Only this time, it was still and perched just taking in the day. I slowly walked towards it as if I was just strolling along. My daughter and my grand daughter approached me wondering what I was looking at. I pointed out the beauty that had came for a visit. As I told them to stand still while I try to get a bit closer.

I shot some pics while trying hard not to scare it away. I ended up standing almost directly across from it just on the other side of the highway. It was an intimidating but yet invigorating moment for me. My camera settings I was not too concerned with in what little time I had for this opportunity. So I picked a quick setting and went for it. I have cropped this photo in to bring out the details of this beauty...

I will treasure this gift for all my days with great appreciation. It took a long time to get to a place where I could live and feel somewhat free of the hustle and bustle of the city. I'll end by saying I am blessed to witness the calm and priceless joys of the rural countryside.

Thank-you for letting me share this with you!

My camera: Sony DSLR-A700

Shot: 1/500 sec. f/5.6 300mm

ISO: 400

Being that I am a self-taught amateur photographer the settings may or may not of been what a trained professional may of used. The shots I take in my daily life are a learning process and for my own personal enjoyment. All photographs posted are my own personal property.

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