As the Snowy Owls derailed me from a scheduled trip to Conowingo Dam in Darlington, Maryland. I made the trek today in hopes to get some amazing images of the Bald Eagles. The forecast has been for a sunny day, but it was cloudy when I woke up.
Driving up I-95 I witnessed an extraordinary number of starlings in large flock bands that seemed to extend over a half a mile. These flocks began some murmuration which was sheer magic in the sky and brought tears to my eyes. If you’re unfamiliar with Murmuration, check out this video. I still get goosebumps when I watch it.
Arriving to the dam, I was surprised to see the huge number of gulls flocking at the dam.
The dam was flowing strong this morning, and the current in front of the fishing platform was brisk. This Cormorant dove down to grab a fish and showed up quite a bit downstream moments later.
There was some bald eagle action, but it was on the far side of the river. Perhaps the strong current blew the fish onto the other side and the eagles preferred slower waters.
Once again, remembering to turn around to see if I was missing anything, I discovered a pair of Bald Eagles sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G.
She started to giggle a little – looked more like screaming to me. He had a look that was priceless.
Jeez..what is she screaming about now?
She promptly clamped up and had a pissed off look on her face.
Excuse me..did you just say something?
Seems at least one additional trip is needed before the season is over. Preferably on a sunnier day. Hope you had a sunny day for me. Bella
Categories: 2013 Project 365, Birds, Nature
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Great shot of the Bald Eagles in flight Emily
Thanks Mark..I’d pay for better lighting and closer action though.
So amazing, would love to see these creatures in the wild one day! That in-flight image is just extraordinary!
I always forget where you are. Maryland is here, waiting for you.
Amazing, Emily
Amazing shots!
Beautiful shots of the bald eagles, a bird that I have yet to see that closely. You may not have been able to catch them fishing, but you got some amazing shots. The ones in the tree really show their personalities (and I chuckled at your descriptions).
The eagles in flight are amazing! Great job!!
No sun but for sure today post brightened up my evening. The murmurs of the starlings is awesome. Saw one when I step out of the airport in Venice and I was awes trucked. As for the eagles, I think they were pissed off for interrupting their interlude.
P.S. I am going to use the video credit to you. How many more days. I am so tired, bella. Oh god give me strength!
Oh I am so sorry to hear that you’re struggling. How many more days until??? I feel your pain about being tired all the time. Rest well, take your vitamins and drink lots of water. Hugs, Emily
end of project 365. Thanks for the hugs, I feel much better now.
These are awesome no matter what the weather was like!
Thanks Jerry ! You’d fit right in with the regulars there. It’s a great group of people and so fun.
Superb post, the stills are so distinct. That video is a good bonus, well found. But your words add character to the whole. Thank you.
You are so kind Bee Seeker. Thank you so very much.
My mare’s name is Murmur, yet I’d never heard of a Murmuration. Stunning video. Your posts add to my list of places to visit.
What a lovely name for your mare. My girl is Remy Martin and she is all mare. 🙂 It’s such a pleasure to meet you and thanks for your great comments.
Oh my! That video of the Starlings Murmuration is fascinating: they look like a tornado! I saw something very similar in Le Crotoy, on the Bay of the Somme in northern France: truly magical.
Your pictures are also magical: love the lonely cormorant in the water, but the eagles are really funny.
I’m amazed that you haven’t witnessed the starlings in flight yet. It is truly marvelous. I’m so happy that you watched that video, it is so magical. Thank you so much.
Great photos and commentary!
Thank you so much Ilex!
Beautiful job! I have been to the Conowingo Dam to photograph the eagles and it is not easy … especially to capture them in flight! What lens did you use?
Oh that is wonderful that you’ve been there too Denise. This is with a 500mm with a 1.4x II extender. I hope to get back there before the end of the year. Perhaps our paths will cross.
I did not know Eagles could be so entertaining – ha! Loving your captures:)
Me neither ! Their faces are so expressive. Thank you so much Renee and hope you’re doing well.
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