Two days ago in an effort to get out of the smog and fog caused by our recent inversion I headed for higher ground. I was rewarded with sunshine, clean air and I even stumbled upon a pair of mating Golden Eagles.
My photos of the behavior are mediocre (these images are highly cropped) because the birds were far away so even shooting at an effective 1120mm couldn’t compensate for that but I thought they were good enough for documentation and that my readers might enjoy seeing them.
1/1250, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
At first I only noticed this single bird as it flew against the high cliffs as I was on my way up a canyon.
1/1250, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
45 minutes later on my way back down the canyon this eagle, which I assumed (perhaps incorrectly) to be the same bird I photographed previously, was perched high on the cliffs. I now know this one to be a female because…
1/1600, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
soon another slightly smaller eagle that I hadn’t seen previously flew in and landed next to her.
1/640, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Almost immediately after he landed the female assumed a head-down posture that invited her mate to mount her and…
1/800, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
he obliged.
1/500, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
During the mating process the male had difficulty gaining and maintaining his balance and I noticed that he avoided using his talons to hold on – instead he put his weight on his tarsi with talons closed and feet extended forward. My assumption is that this is done to avoid discomfort to the female and to give him better anterior-posterior support once he becomes relatively stable on her back.
1/1000, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
She raised and deflected her tail to accommodate him and the “cloacal kiss” was completed. This took some time but for most of it both birds were facing away from me.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
After he dismounted both eagles stayed together for some time and the larger female spent part of that time preening which is typical after mating.
It is thought that Golden Eagles mate for life and mated pairs are known to copulate year-round which may function in pair-bond maintenance outside the breeding season. Golden Eagles are very sensitive to human intrusion and with wild, natural habitat being reduced every year I was encouraged that these birds were obviously acclimated to the hubbub of man – there’s a very busy highway and other obtrusive human activity directly below these cliffs, all of which the eagles took in stride. I photographed them from inside my pickup alongside the road and never got out of my vehicle.
I almost never utter the overused word “awesome” but for me witnessing these two eagles mating was just that – awesome. I said here recently that Golden Eagles were one of my two primary nemesis species and they remain a nemesis because I still don’t have high quality images of them.
But witnessing this behavior through my lens was infinitely better than great images of them, any day of the week.
Ron
Wow Ron. Impressive as usual. Something you don’t see everyday… Great capture
Enjoyed the picture.
One of the joys (and frustrations!) of birding, you never know what you will spot when you go out! Do you know where their nest is? Would be wonderful to document the next generation from conception to fledgling!
No, I don’t know where it is (or will be), Jeff. It must be somewhere along the river but there are no steep banks in this general area that I’m aware of.
Thanks so much foe these beautiful photos. Being on the East coast I will probably never see a golden eagle. They are so beautiful.
You have been sharing some great photos lately, they are all great, but the subjects are birds I will never see in person. I love the little Kingfisher. And of course my favorite Barn Owls that I love so much, thank you for all the photos you have been sharing with us.
I’m glad you’re enjoying the kingfisher images, Debbie – there’ll be more of them soon.
Jealous thoughts.
And thoughts about the number of people who are delighting (as I am) in another species very private behaviour.
Perverts of the world?
I don’t care.
What a truly amazing thing to see. And share.
Must admit that I almost felt like a voyeur, EC. Not enough to stop taking photos though…
Nothing perverted about ( we hope), MORE goldens!!!
Yeah, I’ve thought about the pervert thing, but I’m also giggly that new baby golden eagles will be here soon. And they’re WAY cute! 😀
The hope for new goldens is a joy. It is the watching the early proceedings which made me think voyeur/pervert. And I watched this series with a broad smile dissecting my face.
I agree with others I love the third photo. The leg and foot stretched out for landing, the tail up and flared and the wings breaking the speed. A closer shot of this pose would have been incredible!
“A closer shot of this pose would have been incredible”
Boy, do I agree with that, April!
You said it – AWESOME! I hope a lense goes on the market that will allow you to get a picture perfect image of your beloved Eagles! I enjoyed your pic as I’m sure tour followers did.
Thanks very much, Linda.
Awesome is properly used for this experience. Does Canon have a mirrorless camera with smaller sensor and an adapter for long lenses? That might allow you to get more pixels on distant birds in situations like this. If so, much less expensive than a longer lens. Something analogous to the Nikon 1 and adapter described here? https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-1-v2
I don’t know, Dave. I’ll definitely check that out when I get a chance. Thanks for the link.
Ron – you certainly lead a charmed life. Even though you claim that they are less than perfect – the bird behavior you were able to capture is try amazing. I am lucky to just see a Golden Eagle – did have one on the Xmas Bird Count just outside Nunn, CO on the Pawnee Grasslands. Thanks for sharing your great pix.
Mark
I put in a lot of time for each one of those “charms”, Mark, so it’s nice to see one come along occasionally… 🙂 Thank you and I hope you get to see more Golden’s soon.
Hey Ron – I have to agree with Zaphir that the third shot is my favorite and her title for the image is spot on!! As much as we are happy with your photos of these Goldens, we also know you will keep striving for that perfect photo !
I liked that “title” too, Jo Ann. Thank you.
Listen to Dick!!! I admittedly over use the words “amazing” and”wonderful” evey time I view one of your blogs…can’t help it! No other words describe as well what you do. ANY pictures of Golden Eagles are appreciated…so glad you got these to share. Nothing makes my heart soar like seeing one of these birds. My reaction? MORE, PLEASE……
Listening to Dick would cost me considerable cash, Patty. Actually, on average my 500mm lens is the perfect compromise for my needs but I’ll admit that there are occasions where more focal length would be nice – Golden Eagles among them. Thank you.
Oh just WOW! There’s something over-the-top special about golden eagles, beginning with that glorious golden nape. They delight me as much as flying “my” hawks (who are no more “mine” than the air I breathe). There’s just something magical about them! One of many things I desperately miss about living in the west is the ability to head to the mountains where I can easily watch them grace the sky, decorating it with their magnificence. Simply awe inspiring–what awesome used to mean. Thank you!
And what a joy to know there are new goldens on the way 😀
Laura, when there are Golden’s flying high overhead I like to watch them through my lens. As you know they’re masters of the sky and when they occasionally put on a burst of speed (seemingly just for the fun of it) it gives me a rush. I can’t imagine being a rabbit in their sights…
I know exactly what you mean. Bald eagles are cool and all, but goldens thrill me to my soul. Raptors (and birds in general) are just SO spectacularly addictive and compelling. I’m so ruined by them–in a good way, of course, but ruined nonetheless. And so BLESSED to be ruined.
Are you familiar with eagle falconer Lauren McGough? Most recently she’s been working with a 10-year-old male golden who had never caught wild game in his life. He’s catching wild game now–jackrabbits and such. I fantasize about flying a golden, but there’s nowhere near enough of me left to do that. I’m living vicariously through Lauren!
Laura, yes, I’m somewhat familiar with her because someone (very possibly you) sent me a link to her a few months ago. Very impressive.
She hunted with the falconers in the Mongolia area, living with them and flying a female eagle on wolves and foxes on horseback with them. She’s also a Fullbright Scholar, a skydiver now and just an all-around outrageous young woman who’s living the life I SHOULD have led. I came from a time when I had to continually battle the girls can’t/don’t do that mindset. Wasted a lot of time battling that stupidity.
You spoke for me, too, Laura…There is something so magnificent, so “fine” about them…how and what they hunt, the subtlety of their colors, the refined, aerodynamic shape, the golden nape, the rich brown body, even the sounds they make…the “thoroughbreds” of the bird world. There’s NOTHING quite like them!!!
Absolutely Patty! All raptors have a grace of being that I try to emulate in my human life (can’t quite reach it–I’m only human after all). But watching a golden quickens my soul. I’m working on getting my self back west where they live, where there’s enough sky for them. I really don’t belong in NY. I need to see that majesty regularly. Not only that, but the prey situation here is abysmal. It’s shocking just how dead the land is here compared to other places I’ve lived.
What you said about the land beind “dead” was disturbing, because, except when I’m in the ADK (which is never anymore)I often feel the same way… As if the spirit or the soul of the place has been destroyed, chased away, buried, is missing. Supplanted by worship of the dollar???
When I was in the West and midwest, especially in the mountains or big sky areas, I felt an almost tangible sense of “spirituality” and oneness…a sense of comfort and security, of being “home”… and yet, very much aware of the grandeur and challenges of where I was. I felt a combination of being a very small part of something wonderful and overwhelming joy…
Patty, that’s EXACTLY it! When I’m out with the birds and can’t find anything other than voles and the occasional squirrel, that’s scary. I’ve NEVER encountered that anywhere I’ve lived. On top of that, sparrows and starlings are missing (although they seem to have migrated out of here and are dribbling back now). Falconers in the northern part of the state say things are different there, but it’s simply hideous here. Places that SHOULD hold rabbits just don’t. Locals say coyotes are the problem but if that were true, wouldn’t there be some sign of them? One factor is three catastrophic floods in the last ten years, but things aren’t any different away from the flooded areas. Add to that, this area (Binghamton) is economically depressed. It’s a gray ghost town. I cannot wait to get the flock out of here–where the land is alive and vibrant “and the skies are not cloudy all day!” I can’t wait to join the fight to keep public lands public!
Lucky you to be in the right place at the right time! 🙂 I’m with you on witnessing this through the lens being better than great images any day. Still wonderful behavior shots and comments. 🙂 That inversion is having some up sides for you.
“That inversion is having some up sides for you”
I guess you’re right, Judy – hadn’t thought of it that way. Look on the bright side, right?
Far away or not, I agree you seem to be on a roll – now what are you going to put on your bucket list!
You have a beautiful image of a flying Golden Eagle added to a pair having sex, what’s new now that you have accomplished your two items?
All I can say you live in a phenomenal place to get the type of shots you do.
“what’s new now that you have accomplished your two items?”
Dick, I haven’t “accomplished” my Golden Eagle goal. I want high quality images of them in good light and I still don’t have them. These images were cropped heavily and some are sharper than others. I’d love to have that third (and first) shot from about half this distance but then I think that would be too close for the comfort of the eagles. A conundrum…
Gee, isn’t that reason enough for a bigger lens???? VBG!
Geez, Dick – don’t you DARE plant that (very) expensive thought in my head! 🙂
LOL!!!!!
You seem to be on a roll, Ron.
Very Cool!
If I am it’s been a long time coming, Neil. Thank you.
What a privilege to be able to witness this, and to have captured it so well on camera! Thanks for sharing your wonderful story!
It was ABSOLUTELY a privilege, Lauren – one I won’t soon forget.
Agreed…awesome Ron!! Thank you for sharing and I have complete faith that one day, you’ll remove them from your nemesis list. Third pic is my favorite….Hello Darlin’.
“Hello Darlin’” made me smile. Thanks, Zaphir.