Monday, December 15, 2008

I Want to Fly Like an Eagle...

Last week I went to Starved Rock where the Eagles congregate during the winter.



I didn't expect to see any, but I thought I would take the chance...



As you can see, I saw some...



Talking to the guys over at the Army Corps. of Engineers, where they have a visitors center, only a few residents are around, because the cold temps have only now settled in to the area. The waters are still open, so the birds have fish available for the most part...



Although the waters are open, a few select eagles took advantage of the lock and dam...



...which stuns fish as they pass thru the churning waters.



Starved Rock is a special place because of the stunning backdrop for scenic photos.



Starved Rock is an erosional remnant of St. Peter Sandstone that forms a high terrace in the Illinois Valley. The rock is a historic site of a successful siege against the Illini Indians, resulting in the starvation and demise of the entire tribe.



In 1673, French explorers Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette passed through here on their way up the Illinois from the Mississippi.



Exploring the majestic bluffs and canyons is the park's primary attraction, and there are 13 miles of trails to enjoy.

16 comments:

Shelley said...

wow - loved seeing the eagle fly past the canyon and trees - just breathtaking! Great, great shots!

Marsha said...

The backdrops are beautiful but the eagle shots are amazing! The first one is so perfect and to see the detail is amazing. Then I came to the one where you can see the water droplets falling off behind him and the fish in his claws. I really LOVE this post, what an amazing sight to see through your lens. Thank you for sharing it!

Craig Glenn said...

Now that I know how tough flight photo's are to take I trully appreciate your talant. The eagles are amazing to see.

Craig

Richard said...

Beautiful eagle and scenery shots. Looks like a great place to just hang out in in the summer and enjoy nature at its' finest.

jalynn01 said...

Magnificent!!!!!! wow.

Melissa Weisbard said...

Great shots! The eagle is really beautiful.

The Birdlady said...

What wonderful things they are, and your photos are too.

Tina said...

Hannibal,
I was sitting on the edge of my seat with each photo! Wow! What a beautiful series of eagle shots each on with a diff view. Those are not easy photos to capture.. The 5th photo looks like the eagle has a fish or something in its claws..with the water dripping off of it! I would say you had a very successful day! Lucky you!!

Gone2theDawgs said...

Those are the most fantastic shots I've seen of eagles! We have them gather along our Skykomish River and I dream of getting some good shots of them.

Stacey Olson said...

Hannibal.. I very much enjoyed this post.. such beautiful birds.. I am so jelious that you live that close to them in the winter.. wonderful photo ops... thanks for sharing

McGone said...

I've been to Starved Rock and not only have I never taken pictures as cool as these, I've never even seen the sights like you do.

Eve said...

I will have to check this place out on Google Earth Hannibal.
Beautiful pictures. That third one down looks like he was checking you out too!!

Nick S said...

Great Baldy captures ! :-)

Marsha said...

Checking back today and I just have to tell you how much I LOVE YOUR NEW BLOG HEADER! It is gorgeous and once again I enjoyed seeing each eagle photo.

Gardener's Garden said...

These shots are wonderful and that scenic background is absolutely awesome too....love the new banner too!

The Birdlady said...

Unbelievably beautiful!
Happy New Year.