I took this weeks sky pics at Crex Meadows in October. I thought that this cloud pattern, stretching across the sky, was very intriguing.
I thought that this immature eagle soaring on an updraft was pretty intriguing also.
Eagles, as well as many other raptors, typically use thermal air currents, thermals, to help them fly with less effort. A thermal is created when warm air, which is heated by the ground, rises. The eagle will sit in this rising air and get a free ride high into the sky. Then they will soar from that altitude in the direction that they want to travel. Since they are already up high in the sky they do not have to do much but glide, which expends much less of their valuable energy. I have heard it said that for every mile that an eagle can climb up in a thermal, that they can travel 7 miles with out expending much energy.
Last week I thought it was an immature eagle, but was not sure. For once you left me wondering, then you just said Eagle. I am glad I was right although I have never seen an immature in flight.
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to take bird shot that clear! Beautiful shots!~
ReplyDeleteSo hard to get shots of birds in flight that aren't silhouettes... really nice lighting here.
ReplyDeleteLovely: thank you for sharing these, and for the interesting post about how eagles fly--this one's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful shot of that eagle! Happy SWF. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a very informative text about the thermal and eagles. I am glad to learn that.
ReplyDeleteThe cloud pattern is indeed interesting.
I agree the bird is so clear!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! Great shot of the eagle :) Happy skywatch!
ReplyDeleteEco: Those are two really neat capture. I love the Eagle on wing.
ReplyDeleteWow! That eagle image is amazing!
ReplyDeleteI thought the cloud patterns in the first one looked like huge bulldozer tracks. :)
Beautiful - both pictures. LOVE the clouds (always love clouds) and the bird in flight has me in awe. One day I want to be able to have a clear and gorgeous bird picture. Till then I'll just admire those on SWF!
ReplyDeleteWe must be on a similar wavelength this week. I, too, posted an immature Bald Eagle for Sky Watch. :) I enjoyed your Blog. Keep on Exploring Your Nature.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sky shots. I like the pattern you spotted in the first shot and there is nothing like an eagle stretching out against the sky.
ReplyDeleteGet out of here! How cool is that?
ReplyDeleteYoour birds in flight are always wonderful
ReplyDeleteNice pics...I love that cloud pattern..
ReplyDeleteBeautiful capture Ecobirder! The eagle is magnificent! Looks like a two year old with all that white. Happy birding!
ReplyDeleteNice!! Love the eagle!
ReplyDeleteI love the Eagle in your photo. We had a bald Eagle swoop over our truck as we were driving this last spring. I was in aw. And wish I had my camera up and ready.
ReplyDeleteHappy swf
Beautiful captures!
ReplyDeleteI agree that your cloud formation is intriguing. It looks like a "sheet" of lacy clouds. Very cool! :o)
ReplyDeletelove the shot of the eagle...have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteWow...wonderful photos! I wish I could get close-ups of birds in flight that good!
ReplyDeleteAh those closeups!! The tundra swans are really stacked up near Brownsville.
ReplyDeleteI love you eagle post and the pretty sky shots. The first one reminds me of a hammock.
ReplyDeleteLove the bird in flight, and that cloud looks like a tractor running in the sky
ReplyDeleteAnd they look like they enjoy the ride.
ReplyDeleteVery nice.
I love the cloud pattern in your sky photo. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThat's impressive - a mile up on a thermal returns seven miles horizontally. No wonder birds love thermals!
ReplyDeletegreat photos, thanks for skywatching with us.
You have a beautiful site. Absolutely stunning pictures. I am green with envy. You must own a really good camera. I only have a pocket digital so far but dream of a good proper camera. Perhaps I shall be awarded one of these days :)
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