Project Athena - Day 238 (Bird Watching)

January 31, 2015

Golden Eagle in Flight

When I took this photo several years ago now, I truly connected emotionally to the soaring spirit of this Golden Eagle. I felt like I had finally said yes to my true creative passion, had spread my wings and was taking flight into the unknown. Honestly, I still feel like I am flying low to the ground but every flap of my wings gives me new perspective. I am confident that the dream to be a professional photographer is not too big for my skills or talents. I'm ready to catch an air current that will lift me a lot higher, let me soar in my authentic expression and fly with the pure joy of being free to create.

Project Athena - Day 236 (Bird Watching)

January 30, 2015

Owlets

This photo was taken on one of my first camera outings when I purchased my Nikon D3200 in 2012. It's still one of my favorite pictures because it inspired me to get out and shoot! Once I saw what this camera and I were capable of doing together, I was hooked and knew that I would pursue this passion for photography in a way I never had before.

I revisit this nest every spring to watch the newest flock of owlets hatch and grow. They are so adorable and their parents are extremely devoted.

OwletsNikon D3200 • Nikon 55-200mm lens • 200mm • F/10 • 1/200s • ISO 400 — **Owlets**
Nikon D3200 • Nikon 55-200mm lens • 200mm • F/10 • 1/200s • ISO 400

Project Athena - Day 235 (Bird Watching)

January 29, 2015

Bald Eagle

I have a special reverence for bald eagles and all they have been through as a species to survive. Every time I see one in the wild, I feel I have just been blessed with a sacred gift. Over the last three days, I have "chased" a few bald eagles hoping for a chance to photograph them but they can cover a tremendous amount of distance in a short amount of time with their enormous wing spans. I have opted for this beauty over a speeding ticket. This majestic eagle resides at the Fort Collins Environmental Learning Center. Her story is one of trauma and resilience and her role in life now is helping educate people about the plight of all birds of prey.

Project Athena - Day 234 (Bird Watching)

January 28, 2015

Red Tail Hawk

This is one of my favorite birds of prey, the Red Tailed Hawk. This particular bird is in captivity at the Fort Collins Environmental Learning Center. I shot this through a chain link fence on purpose which is what gives it the sort of muddled look.

Red-tailed hawks are known for their brick-colored tails but there are many variations that don't have this colorization. They are keen-eyed and excellent hunters. Apparently, one of these birds landed on our backyard fence a few days ago with a pigeon in his beak for his lunch. He left evidence of his feast on the ground with feathers and a carcass picked clean to the bone. I only know it was a Red Tailed Hawk instead of some other bird of prey because our house guest witnessed the meal as she was eating her own at our dining room table.