HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?

This bald eagle was captured with my Canon Mark IV in May of 2011.

I always carry my camera in the boat while I’m fishing. Why? Because I often see really cool photo opportunities while fishing. In the simplest of words, I was fishing for crappies and not catching them so I was watching this bald eagle as it sat in a tree across the bay. I was mentally prepared to grab the camera off the floor of my Fishhawk and I wasn’t surprised to see this bald eagle jump from the tree. I picked up my camera and pointed it the direction the bald eagle was flying toward and hit the hammer. I followed the bald eagle swooping down to grab the pike and hoped for the best! It was an experienced I still have not forgotten and I know the exact spot to this day.

In reviewing my images I had the eagle captured in multiple backgrounds with a variety of lighting and my camera was set to aperature priority. When this happens again…I won’t have the camera on aperture priority. I will set my camera speed to meet the potential of any background lighting and my camera will be set to a shutter speed of 3200 instead of varying from 800-1250. Lesson learned. Take that with you….pick the right shutter speed and you won’t get a soft image often. That said I like this shot….it prints well.

Revision on 10-7-24.

Reading this post again today I am revising what settings I’d have based on I now have a camera with auto ISO. So set on auto ISO I’d be set at 3200 and F5.6. 

Carlos Avery in Spring

Birds. Carlos Avery in spring brings a big variety of birds to the area. In addition to your typical species; Wood Ducks, Blue Wing Teal,  Pie Billed Grebes and both Green and Great Blue Herons Carlos Avery also attracts Bitterns, Virginia Rails, Snipe, Harriers, Marsh Wren, Loons and Egrets. Sandhill Cranes, and Trumpeter Swans are a almost a given. You can expect to find many species in a single day. I’ve seen all of these species regularly in the spring.

Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area is located just west of Forest Lake Minnesota it travels mostly north towards Wyoming. This expansive wildlife area has over 17,000 acres of woodland, wetlands and bogs. There are many many types of birds that are best seen during spring.  Do keep in mind if you go during early spring it’s possible the roads are not open to vehicle travel. If you can drive that opens up the entire area. Bikes or feet are certainly an option. Contact them (651 539-3300) to find out what the scoop on the roads is.

See the map

Breaking down Carlos Avery into the best viewing areas.

My favorite route to see a variety of birds is by entering Carlos Avery at the intersection of Lexington Ave and 197th on the West side of the park and travel east to the first intersection then take a left and follow along to Pool 4 Road. Follow Pool 4 Road to where it intersects with Pool 9 Road and Pool 10 road, go left (Pool 9 Road). This route will take you thru some forested areas, grasslands, lakes and marshes. I’d then head out the NE corner to Interstate 35 in Wyoming. You’ll see lots of birds!

If you go…bring your camera.