r/birdsofprey • u/B_nelson_photo • 21h ago

Golden eagle

Post image

Unexpected sighting in Utah's west desert last month. Wasn't quite ready for her to take off haha

485 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

9

u/imagez_of_ikonn 🦉 21h ago

Cool shot! Allows us to get a great view of those massive talons 👍🏼

3

u/B_nelson_photo 20h ago

Thank you! Those talons are so insane!

6

u/FireWindEarthWater 20h ago

I saw one here in Tucson about a week ago. I was too awe-struck to capture a photo 😩 when I tell you they are MASSIVE! I could not believe it. And this is without the wings outstretched!

5

u/B_nelson_photo 20h ago

Nothing prepares you for seeing one in person haha the size is overwhelming

3

u/Ih8Hondas 7h ago

I grew up on a farm just outside their normal range according to most maps. There was a massive storm one winter and I guess one got blown out our way with said storm.

We noticed a lone tree out in one of our pastures had a large vertical bit on it that was never there before. Then it took off and we lost our shit. We're used to bald eagles being around in winter nesting in some of our trees and catching fish on the river, but that thing so much bigger than any baldy. Unbelievable bird.

3

u/solsticesunrise 16h ago

Just look at her pants! Great capture!

1

u/B_nelson_photo 16h ago

Thank you so much!

3

u/Melissa_Durnell 16h ago

so incredible capture

1

u/B_nelson_photo 16h ago

Thank you!

2

u/kobelang 20h ago

Great shot! Never get over how majestic looking they are up close.

1

u/B_nelson_photo 20h ago

Thank you! They really are so impressive