Almost three years to the date, I mentioned that I was on a photographic hunt for the bald eagle. By the next year, I had more opportunities to spot and capture them at a distance. Finally, last year I saw hundreds at Red Rock Lake and the Des Moines River near Pella, as well as a growing population in my part of Southwest Iowa. This year is beginning well with sightings locally and around Central Iowa. The view of these majestic birds is captivating as they gracefully fly and skillfully hunt. Here are a few shots of these graceful, gliding national birds.
These two are from 2016:
Two eagles soaring over the Des Moines River near Pella, IA
The eagles complete for fish among pelicans, geese, ducks and the ring-billed gulls pictured here on the Des Moines River at the Red Rock Lake Dam spillway.
The remaining have been taken this first month of 2017:
Three shot photo stitch of juvenile bald eagle over Red Rock Lake Dam, Pella IA
As gracefully as they are in flight, those flights often end in a kill. Below is one of those feasts and two captures in the last week.
See more “graceful” posts at WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: Graceful.
Rural Iowa Pastor 
These are amazing shots you captured! Such beauty, grace and inspiration. Thank you!
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Thank you, SSM! I never tire of seeing these amazing birds!
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Wow! Amazing shots! You definitely captured their gracefulness! I can almost see them flying!
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Thank you, Rene. Always feel blessed to be able to capture these majestic birds.
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Well done!
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Thanks, William!
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Amazing shots! Love the first one of the eagle in flight!
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Thank you, Jon. That location draws scores of Bald Eagles during this time of year. I’ve made one trip this year and hope to return in February.
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