US National Zoo 2005 - 2006

US National Zoo 2005 - 2006
Originally uploaded by Nikographer [Jon].

After about a year of going to the zoo, I've got this collage to show off...

I've taken thousands if not tens of thousands of photos, so it's hard to choose from the keepers, but these are all ones I like a lot.

-Jon

Bald Eagle with a fish @ Conowingo Dam, Maryland

"Catch of the Day"
Originally uploaded by Nikographer [Jon].

"Catch of the Day"

I am so looking forward to more chances to see Eagles at this location. I've only been there once so far.

Eagle Injury and Rescue @ Conowingo Dam - 10/15/2006 - 6 of 6

Eagle Injury and Rescue @ Conowingo Dam - 10/15/2006 - 6 of 6
Originally uploaded by Nikographer [Jon].

Once on dry land, we took a look, he was exhausted for sure, and barely moved



Today was my first trip to Conowingo Dam, in Maryland, and it was quite a place. So many eagles, and some really great chances to photograph them

However, this particular drama was not so fun to see. This adult eagle must have hit the power lines, and spiraled down in to the water. It must have broken a wing or something. It couldn't get back out. It made many attempts to fly, but just couldn't.



It was floating down the river, and eventually made it out of the water on to some rocks probably 1,000 or more yards from where it hit the water.

He was joined by some other eagles, and they guarded him I supposed. But after a while, they left him, and I thought he was a goner.

But he held on.

DNR was called and some hours later they showed up with a boat and the eagle was rescued!

About a dozen people helped launch the boat due to the low water levels, and also assisted recovering the boat. I chipped in too.

It was sad to see, watching the eagle struggle so much, but in the end he was saved, and could even one day return to the river (depending on the extent of his injuries, I really don't know.)

2006_1015_D70_46565

See my "photo essay" in Voice in the Wilderness, with the above text and a little more, with the images inserted.
www.flickr.com/groups/voices/discuss/72157594330137698/

Red Fox @ Mason Neck, Va

Red Fox @ Mason Neck, Va
Originally uploaded by Nikographer [Jon].

The bay was still pretty socked in with Fog, and this little fella was cruising the beach.

Within about 10 minutes of my arrival at Mason Neck, I'd already seen: Red Fox, 2 Adult Bald Eagles, 1 Juv Bald Eagle, a Beaver, and a Great Egret. :D Was a great day.

Also from this morning, 10/14/2006:

Bald Eagle takes a drink @ Great Falls, Maryland

Bald Eagle takes a drink @ Great Falls, Maryland
Originally uploaded by Nikographer [Jon].

I've update my blogger logo, and added some links....

Great Falls is such a great location, in my top 4 for sure. The blogged photo is from June 2006.

I've been back to Great Falls a few times in the past month and I think that this particular Eagle Family has moved on for the year. I've seen another single adult Bald Eagle, but the markings didn't match up the first time, and the second time the eagle I saw was alone and didn't appear to be 'like the others'...

If I had to guess, the resident pair (and juv) took off around 9/20/2006. I guess I can check, but that's roughly when I think I saw the pair in a single tree for the last time this year.

-Jon