OT, Going to a Bald Eagle Observation

rover

rover

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Pretty cool I can't wait for it.

Northeast Utilities has an observation area @ 1000 feet from a hydroelectric dam. The area attracts migratory bald eagles in the winter. From the observation area you are supposed to be able to see birds fishing, perching and soaring. There even may be a couple nesting pairs in the area.

So, here is what I have.

Minolta SRT 101
MC 200/3.5
MC 300/4.5
2x Teleconverter
ISO 800 and 400 film
Tripod
72mm Polarizing filter
Binoculars

And me.

Am I forgetting anything?

Is 600mm with the teleconverter enough magnification?
 
beef jerky?

your equipment should do the job.. the real trick is getting the birds to smile.. they're always so serious

there is a similar area in Wisconsin that has a lot of eagle nests, but I don't think there's an official observation area.. a few friends have done the photo shoot there.. make sure you bring about twice as much film as you need
 
This should be cool.. hope you get some good shots Rover 🙂

As an aside.. I swore the subject of the post read "Going to a bald eagle convention" 😀

Dave
 
I have two that live right around the corner and fly over my head about every week.

beautiful birds and houge.. have fun they are gorgous.
 
dcsang said:
As an aside.. I swore the subject of the post read "Going to a bald eagle convention" 😀

Dave
Click to expand...

Sounds like a job for a camera phone? 😱

EDIT: Why do I feel like I should have just let that one go by without remark? :angel:
 
Skinny McGee said:
I have two that live right around the corner and fly over my head about every week.

beautiful birds and houge.. have fun they are gorgous.
Click to expand...


I actually saw one soaring about 100 ft away while crossing the CT River on the Putnam Bridge in Glastonbury not long ago. I noticed it but was taken back when it turned and I saw the white head and bright yellow/orange beak and talons. The state DEP estimate that there are about 10 nesting pairs on the CT River, all south of where I was. They're are quite a few birds that are now wintering here.
 
You're likely to be using the 300/4.5 + 2x. Flight shots with be _very_ difficult with that combo, but hopefully they'll perch closeby. Soaring with be okay also.

If they're any more a couple hundred feet away, they'll still be very small in the viewfinder.
 
last summer I was staying at a cottage on a small lake in northern Wisconsin.. my cousin and I took the motorboat out for a quick spin.. halfway across the lake an eagle came swooping down, looking for lunch.. I think it flew about 15 feet over our heads.. yes, they're huge and very intimidating.. I hope you don't see one TOO close.. LOL
 
rover said:
Pretty cool I can't wait for it.

Northeast Utilities has an observation area @ 1000 feet from a hydroelectric dam. The area attracts migratory bald eagles in the winter. From the observation area you are supposed to be able to see birds fishing, perching and soaring. There even may be a couple nesting pairs in the area.

So, here is what I have.

Minolta SRT 101
MC 200/3.5
MC 300/4.5
2x Teleconverter
ISO 800 and 400 film
Tripod
72mm Polarizing filter
Binoculars

And me.

Am I forgetting anything?

Is 600mm with the teleconverter enough magnification?
Click to expand...


Sounds like great fun.

You may want to pick up the Feb. 2006 issue of Pop Photo - they have an article on "shooting" birds of prey. Might be some worthwhile tips in it.
 
Haha! Nice guy!
I think the eagles back then were probably a tad bigger than those of today...more Lord of The Rings-sized...but I did read of a huge owl that took off with a guys poodle a few years ago in BC.
On a fishing trip last year way up in Northern Ontario we'd put our fish guts on a rock island and watch the eagles come in to feed....amazing and very beautiful animals. No shots though....one of the bad things about expensive Leicas is you tend to leave them behind when worried about losing them....
 
Sounds like you are going to have a good time, Rover. Maybe a cable release would be helpful, if you find something like a nest or other spot with focused activity to concentrate your shots on.
 
ray_g said:
Sounds like you are going to have a good time, Rover. Maybe a cable release would be helpful, if you find something like a nest or other spot with focused activity to concentrate your shots on.
Click to expand...


Good Point!

I actually did think of the cable release but then quickly forgot about it when making the list.

I am going to the Shepaug Dam in Southbury next Saturday Ray. Reservations are necessary if you have an interest.
 
Take a flask of coffee. Just like fishing - if the action is slowing down, pour yourself a cup. All the photo ops appear when your hands are full!
 
ChrisN said:
Take a flask of coffee. Just like fishing - if the action is slowing down, pour yourself a cup. All the photo ops appear when your hands are full!
Click to expand...

That or they'll start coming close and your bladder's full :bang:
 
500mm x 1.6 crop factor and then a 1/9 crop. It's probably about 200ft away.
 
The state park in the Land Between the Rivers near Gilbertsville, KY is having an eagle tour this week end using a tour boat. Many Bald eagles. Even more at Reelfoot lake between Kentucky and Tennessee and on the Mississippi River. FYI
Johne
 
rover said:
Good Point!

I actually did think of the cable release but then quickly forgot about it when making the list.

I am going to the Shepaug Dam in Southbury next Saturday Ray. Reservations are necessary if you have an interest.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a good way to spend a Saturday, Rover. I sent you a PM for the details.
I'll bring the coffee. 😉

Too bad I just sold the DReb last week, but I bet I can rustle something up. 🙂
 
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