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Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Southwest Ontario. The bald eagle needs no introduction — it's the symbol of a nation and one of the most recognizable birds on earth.
I photographed this individual in southwestern Ontario, where bald eagles have made a comeback after decades of decline. Like brown pelicans and egrets, eagles were decimated by DDT, their eggshells weakened until reproduction failed. The pesticide's ban allowed recovery, and today eagles are common where they were once rare.
What strikes me about this portrait is the expression. Eagles have that intense, slightly angry look that comes from the bony ridge over their eyes — a feature that shades their vision from glare. It makes them look fierce whether they're actually threatened or just watching the world go by.
Bald eagles are opportunistic feeders, eating fish primarily but also scavenging carrion, stealing from other birds, and hunting small mammals when the chance arises. Their reputation as noble hunters is somewhat undeserved — Benjamin Franklin famously criticized the species for its lazy and thieving habits, preferring the wild turkey as a national symbol.
Whatever their character, eagles are undeniably impressive. The white head and tail of adult birds, the massive yellow beak, the sheer size — all combine to create a presence that commands attention.
Limited edition Chromaluxe metal print. Ultra gloss finish brings out the contrast between the white head and dark body plumage.
Southwest Ontario. The bald eagle needs no introduction — it's the symbol of a nation and one of the most recognizable birds on earth.
I photographed this individual in southwestern Ontario, where bald eagles have made a comeback after decades of decline. Like brown pelicans and egrets, eagles were decimated by DDT, their eggshells weakened until reproduction failed. The pesticide's ban allowed recovery, and today eagles are common where they were once rare.
What strikes me about this portrait is the expression. Eagles have that intense, slightly angry look that comes from the bony ridge over their eyes — a feature that shades their vision from glare. It makes them look fierce whether they're actually threatened or just watching the world go by.
Bald eagles are opportunistic feeders, eating fish primarily but also scavenging carrion, stealing from other birds, and hunting small mammals when the chance arises. Their reputation as noble hunters is somewhat undeserved — Benjamin Franklin famously criticized the species for its lazy and thieving habits, preferring the wild turkey as a national symbol.
Whatever their character, eagles are undeniably impressive. The white head and tail of adult birds, the massive yellow beak, the sheer size — all combine to create a presence that commands attention.
Limited edition Chromaluxe metal print. Ultra gloss finish brings out the contrast between the white head and dark body plumage.
