Bald Eagles at Conowingo Dam, MD (1 Viewer)

Scott Merryfield · May 1, 2013

Sam,

I certainly understand the challenges in capturing birds in flight. It takes a lot of practice to just become average at the skill. Some birds are easier than others, too. Eagles would seem to be on the more difficult side. You appear to be doing nicely, though.

As I mentioned, I have not had the opportunity to shoot eagles yet. Most of my birds in flight have been larger water fowl, which are on the easier side to shoot in flight. They do not fly as erratic, and they also stay closer to the ground, which helps both in getting closer shots and more even exposures.

Sam Posten · May 1, 2013

Plan a trip to Conowingo MD for a November of your choosing, closer than Alaska =)

Scott Merryfield · May 3, 2013

Sam Posten said:
Plan a trip to Conowingo MD for a November of your choosing, closer than Alaska =)

Funny you should mention that. My wife and I are discussing a return trip to Alaska next summer to celebrate our 25th anniversary. We went for our 10th anniversary.

DaveF · May 27, 2013

Sam, have you been to Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge (on the Eastern Shore)? How is it for bird and eagle photos?

Sam Posten · May 28, 2013

I have not. Planning on checking that and Susquehanna State Park out this summer!

Ted Todorov · Sep 23, 2014

Sam Posten said:
Plan a trip to Conowingo MD for a November of your choosing, closer than Alaska =)

November is the best time to go?

Sam Posten · Sep 24, 2014

Yes it is. PM me if you want a tour guide!!!

andySu · Oct 2, 2014

Sam Posten said:
This machine shoots eagles!

80-400vr2 by Kadath, on Flickr

Finally replacing my 1976 era vivitar 400mm manual focus lens wirh something a bit more modern... Plan to hit the Dam Sunday!

You can't shoot bald eagle protection act. But I see what you mean taking pictures of them is okay.

Nice DSLR camera.

TonyD · Oct 2, 2014

What the bleep. Nevermind quoted isn't work.

TonyD · Oct 2, 2014

Had my first experience out shooting bald eagles today! (well, Yesterday now!)

Blog post:
http://www.navesink.net/2010/11/conowingo-dam-bald-eagles.html

Full set:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kadath/sets/72157625302188513/with/5190819523/

These are nowhere near as good as those of crew from Nikon Cafe who go there almost daily. If you want to be REALLY inspired please check this thread out:

http://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=284371

If you can do it, please consider doing a day trip to the Dam! It took me 40 years to get there and all along these magnificent birds, which destroy the idea you have of them in your head when you finally see them live, our national symbol, have been less than 2.5 hours away from me. I'm working 20 minutes away and I know I will be back for sure, better prepared for the lighting and ready to see their beauty again in whatever light presents itself!

Giant Eagle or tiny Orca?

Sam Posten · Oct 2, 2014

Not sure I understand Tony sorry.

TonyD · Oct 2, 2014

Yeah. Me either. Was making a funny on that pic of the Eagle with the fish. Looks a little like an orca.

Sam Posten · Oct 3, 2014

Oh ok

Sam Posten · Oct 14, 2014

They are always there of course but prime time is coming up soon. If anyone is planning a trip please PM me for more info or to see if I might join ya for a bit if interested!

http://www.bayjournal.com/article/wings_over_the_water

Sam Posten · Dec 8, 2014

Terrific Vid:

I didn't get there as much as I'd have liked this year, and I didn't get a super take out of the days I did go. I guess these were about my best:

14-ConowingoJan-6059
by Kadath, on Flickr

14-ConowingoNov-0905
by Kadath, on Flickr

14-ConowingoJan-6024
by Kadath, on Flickr

14-ConowingoJan-6038
by Kadath, on Flickr

Scott Merryfield · Dec 8, 2014

The 2nd and 3rd shots turned out well, Sam. That last one would have been terrific had you been closer... or had a MUCH bigger lens.

Sam Posten · Dec 9, 2014

I keep hoping to hit that lottery, somehow I never seem to buy the tickets tho! =) Thanks for the kind words tho. I wish I had more time to spend there.

Sam Posten · Nov 13, 2015

Tomorrow is Conowingo Bald Eagle day at the dam!

15-ConowingoNov1--6371 by Sam Posten III, on Flickr

Sam Posten · Nov 19, 2016

Best dam day ever. Dozens of birds, weather was perfectly warm, tons of feeding, sunglight was spot on.

Sneak peak at my set, this is nowhere close to my favorite shot from today!

16-ConowingoNov-6546 by Sam Posten III, on Flickr

D500 and 80-400 at 400. Cropped.