Recently I had a day off from work. And I decided I was going to make the most of it by going to photograph waterfalls at one of my favorite state parks. I haven’t gone out to much landscape photography in a while so I was excited for the opportunity.

Unfortunately for my wife, but fortunately for me as it turns out, my wife was not off from work that day. She left home and drove her normal route through town on her commute. A short time later she texted me to say that she could see the nesting bald eagles perched up in their tree as she drove by.

So, now I was torn. Do I still head straight to the park to photograph waterfalls or do I go see if I can photograph the eagles first and potentially miss out on good light and a less crowded park? I decided that I would take a route to the park that would take me through town and I could at least see if the eagles were still visible in their tree on my way and then decide from there.

I knew I wouldn’t have too many more opportunities to photograph the eagles at this location so easily as the trees would soon be fully leafed out and completely obscure them from view most of the time. So I wanted to make the most of this potential opportunity.

As I drove through town I could see that there was still one eagle perched high atop the largest tree where there nest is along the Chemung River. A good chance I could get some decent photos, or at least watch it for a little bit. Then as I drove over the bridge I could see that another eagle was perched in a different location. Down much lower in the trees along the outlet stream that flowed into the river right near the boat launch and the parking area. That sealed it. I was definitely taking a detour to photograph the eagles.

I almost could not believe it as the eagle reminded perched in its tree as I slowly made my way closer, making sure not to disturb them. The eagle looked like it might be trying to hunt for food in the small stream. The beautiful morning light was illuminating the scene perfectly. This was one of the most close up experiences I have had with an eagle in a long time.

After a while the eagle eventually flew off. So I decided to check out the other area where I had seen the eagle as I drove through town. And that eagle was also still perched high atop the largest tree where tree. However, they were not in as good a position for photography. And eventually they also flew a little farther down the river to a different tree where it looks like they might be building yet another nest.

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