Camera Critter #100

First of all...what a milestone! One hundred editions of Camera Critters and going strong. Congratulations MistyDawn...you've done a wonderful thing here.

And now, on with the 100th Camera Critter.

Last weekend was an annual event for central Oregon, called, Eagle Watch. The event is held the last weekend in February at Lake Billy Chinook, and features speakers and presentations regarding the Bald Eagle and other critters of the area. There are also numerous viewing areas overlooking the lake for visitors to view eagles. Organizers hope to schedule the event to coincide with the return of the eagles to the High Desert.

This year was a more or less bust for those who went to see Bald Eagles. It's been that way the last three years. However, when I went to my first one five years ago, there were plenty of eagles to see. I was also working with a lens I had gotten the day before and learned how to use it.

Of the 120 or so images I recorded, I was able to say some were good. The rest found the delete button. Below are two of my favorite shots from the day.

One of the more interesting things which happened that day was the arrival of a Native American Shaman. He asked if we had seen any eagles and I gladly told of the few that had made an appearance. He then said, "Make sure your camera is ready."

He went to his vehicle and pulled out a drum and after walking to the edge of viewing area we were at, began beating on the drum and singing in his Native language. It wasn't more than two minutes later, there were three Bald Eagles flying in a circle above us. The eagles came lower and lower and at one point were less than a 100 feet above us. This went on for about 15 minutes with more and more eagles showing up.

While all this was happening, I was happily shooting away. It wasn't later when I looked at my images, I realized I had a lot to learn about shooting moving objects with an image stabilized lens.

These days, I have mastered the art and can produce very nice images using stabilization of moving objects.

I just wish the eagles would show up so I can practice on them. Maybe next year. 8v)

Misty Dawn's Camera Critter Meme is a great way to see critters of all types. Go to the Meme homepage here, and check out more entries. Then join the fun and let the world see your critter!