2024 was a tough year full of new challenges. I began playing my guitars more and shooting photos less. This was not due to a lake of interest in photography, but more of a need my church and I had to help minister to the church. There were not as many images to draw from as usual, but here are my best from the year.

There is no raptor that gets more attention in American than the American Bald eagle. I like this image because it is really a nice environmental portrait. It has a realistic background with amazing color.

For those of you who follow historic tank warfare, I call this the "hull down" position. In fact, this female woodpecker is in defensive mode, using this log as cover to protect itself. Tanks also do this by moving up to the top of the hill and just poking the gun and turret above the ridge they are defending. From a photographic perspective, it clearly shows action, color and nice lines. I can still hear her "yelling".

I would generally characterize ospreys as my favorite raptors and here we have one in a full bank. They often time do this right before a dive, and this image is no exception.

From a photography perspective, it shows action again and also gives me a feeling of being at the top of a roller coaster and then feeling the excitement as it begins its downward plunge.

This image really shows the the eating behavior of the eagle. After snatching a fish, he moves to the nearest good perch and begins to finish off the fish.

From a photographic perspective, I love the closeup impact of this image. This was one of those wild eagles that doesn't mind people, and I could get very close!

There is nothing more humorous than an osprey chick. They remind me so much of Gonzo, on The Muppet Show (boy that dates me). The mother is so regal and the chicks are just as silly looking as they can be.

From a photographic perspective, you can see there is a nice diagonal line formed between the mother and chick's eyes. You also have the impact of a 2 shot. Finally, you have an image that evokes emotion and that is really what photography is all about.

This is the shot that says it all about the American bald eagle as a symbol. As he begins his dive to snatch a fish, the strength of his brow and his intent eyes are clearly noticeable. This is why this bird is such a symbol of power.

From a photographic perspective, I am showing power, agility and strength as he makes this fast turn. The evokes emotion, plain and simple.

I was able to capture several good wild eagle portraits this year and this is the final one to make the list. I love the impact of closeups and I love that she is just perched and happy in this shot.

How do you get shots like this in the wild? Usually from a boat.

On this morning, an osprey grabbed this fish and took flight. What a great morning on the river. I like this image due to the impact it has. Although this image is much more common than it used to be due to all the advances in digital photography, this type of image still brings a smile to my face.

Another osprey comes in at number two. This time, I was able to capture his powerful talons reaching out for a fish. I like this image again because of the "in your face" impact.

In 2024, I had one major goal in mind. That goal was to finally capture an eagle grabbing a fish from the water. This had been a goal of mine from the day I first picked up a camera. I was simply amazed by photographers back in the 1990s capturing images on film of these spectacular birds grabbing fish. Back then, this shot would have earned a photographer an amazing amount of money from the stock photography world. Most of the shots back then came from Alaska. Now I had the opportunity to make that dream come true on mainland USA.

In August of 2024, the dream became a reality!