Supposedly, if we know what we are doing, it should only take us one time to get it right. Not only is that true of taking photographs, but also in life. But I think we all know and have experienced that in order to get it right we have to make some mistakes.

And it can also be said that some of our greatest creations are a result of a mistake. Usually, the mistake is one in which we didn’t expect would turn in our favor. But there are times when the mistake was the result of our own enthusiasm that created an opportunity possibly at the expense of somebody or something else.

It was a proud moment for me was when I returned home last night with a collection of eagle photos on my memory card. Upon reviewing them I realized I had captured one in particular that was quite interesting and worthy of sharing with the world. It definitely was unique and unlike eagle photos I have seen before.

How does that saying go? To ignorance is bliss? And so I was. It was only after doing some research online that I realized my error. I had disturbed some eagles and this unique photograph was the display of protective behavior. I suddenly felt like I had done something terribly wrong and had capitalized on it for the sole benefit of myself.

After about 24 hours of not being sure what I should do I suddenly realized that I could do something positive with this experience. I could educate others in regards to the do’s and don’ts about eagles.

First of all eagles will always flee their nest when humans are near. They will abandon it and try to draw attention away from it. This is very dangerous to nesting eagles since the parents will abandon their eggs and eaglets. As you would expect the eggs would need to stay warm, but once hatched eaglets have very little protection from heat or cold. They rely on their parents for that. So if constantly disturbed the parents will be unable to provide the necessary protection they need to survive.

Yes, seeing them glide effortlessly making large circles just above the trees was a magnificent display. And after witnessing this I immediately thought how easy it would be to do this over and over again. But now that I know what is actually happening I realize that I have no right being there for that is their home and they need to live their life undisturbed.

I offer for you these photographs that I know will be a rarity for my collection because I will not do it again solely for the purpose of getting the perfect image. I’m not saying these are the last images of eagles I will capture. But I will respect their space next time and remember that it is a privilege to observe them not a right.

I do this so that others can enjoy without endangering their survival. I would rather find where they go to watch for prey and hunt. That is where we can share common ground and I will feel free to photograph them. For me this is a lesson about respect. I have learned that I respect wildlife more than I value capturing rare images.

So hopefully this will at least serve as an education in regards to the delicate balance we have with eagles. Those large imposing birds are not fearless. Your presence can have irreversible effects on them. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. If do you come across some of these magnificent birds, enjoy the moment and move on.

Below is a short video clip where you can hear what a bald eagle sounds like:

(Windows Media – WMV)

(Quicktime – MOV)

By the way… to avoid disturbing nesting eagles the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommends maintaining a distance of 330 feet in wooded areas and 660 feet in open areas. You can read more about this in their publication National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines (Click to view PDF file)

There are tons of Bald Eagle facts on the Internet. Simply Google “Bald Eagle Facts”.