Impromptu Photo Shoot

One day this week, I decided to brave the elements and go take some pictures outside of the river. It is very, very cold, but that makes for some great pictures if you are willing to be outside. So, on the way to work I went to the bridge in town and bundled up to take some pictures of the steam rising off of the river. Hindsight tells me that I needed a hat along with my snow boots, scarf and extra warm mittens, but that is for another day I guess.
I forgot to charge my battery and had to stop part way through to change it, but that allowed me to warm up a bit and change my perspective. I was only out for about a 1/2 hour, but I had fun and got some neat shots. I was amazed at the ducks IN the water, but that is their lot in life I guess. If you live in Iowa....

When I finally decided that I was cold enough and in my car heading to work, I took a little detour and drove by a little park right along the river not far from the bridge. As I was driving, I noticed something BIG on the river and stopped to see what it was. As I soon realized, there was a pair of bald eagles munching on breakfast. I threw my lens cap in the seat, crossed my fingers and chanted under my breath, "Please don't fly away, please don't fly away.." as I headed across the road. I am sure they saw me and heard me tromping through the snow, but I was blessed to capture a few neat shots and then watch the majestic flight of the bald eagle on a clear, cold wintry day. I am so glad I went that morning to take pictures...

In no particular order...I know I type this alot, but I don't like to deal with moving pics around in Blogger and I never take time to upload them correctly. I think of it too late. So my theory is that at least you get to see the pics and I'll explain...

Here you go.

I took this because of the reflection of the house on the river. It seems a little crooked, but...
This one was because that tree seemed to create a natural frame for the river and snowy landscape.
Here is the eagle flying away and bubbles on the river and steam...OOOOhhhhh how cool is that?!
Here's steam, what I was going for in the first place, coming off of the dam.
A wider shot of the dam, steam river, ducks, Christmas decorations on the bridge....
Here one of the eagles is taking off with his food in his talons.
Here is one eating something furry....I cropped in closer. I had my telephoto extended all the way to 200, but eagles are a little frighty so this is the best I could get.
Here is the original. I like the river and weeds included for perspective, but I wanted you to KNOW I saw a bald eagle, hence the crop.

Have you taken anything cool lately? Have I inspired you to create some art of your own? Go forth and create!!