Bald Eagle – Wild in Texas

Bald Eagle at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, Texas

Texas is the winter home to numerous bald eagles. Every year in the winter more sightings are generally noted. This year at least three have been sighted (and photographed) at our home refuge on the shores of Lake Texoma. These creatures are known to hunt for fish as well as mammals and on occasion waterfowl. For that reason, they are more likely to be found around bodies of water. If you have never seen one in the wild, it is a sight to behold. Their power, majesty and grace are unparalleled. It is no wonder whatsoever why this bird was chosen as our national symbol.

Bald Eagle at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, Texas
Bald Eagle at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, Texas

This photo was taken just after sunrise with a 150 to 500mm zoom while standing in 5 foot vegetation, handheld, from a distance of approximately 50 yards.

Bald Eagle Perched above Big Mineral Creek, Texas
Bald Eagle Perched above Big Mineral Creek, Texas

Bald Eagle using it's Talon as a toothpick
Bald Eagle using it’s Talon as a toothpick

These photos were taken in bright sunlight with a 150 to 500mm zoom peering through the forest from a distance of approximately 30 yards.

Bald Eagle perched in the tree tops early in the morning
Bald Eagle perched in the tree tops early in the morning

This photo was taken with a 150 to 500mm zoom in the early morning light about 30 minutes after sunrise across a farm field at a distance of approximately 75 yards.

All images were taken with a Nikon D5100 at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, Sherman, Texas on Febuary 17 2013.

Our Home Refuge (I am here at least weekly unless we are out of town): Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge and please visit: Friends of Hagerman

Some Resources for further study:

All About Birds/Cornell Lab of Ornithology

The Texas Breeding Bird Atlas