Here is another picture of New Year's Day's visit at lock and dam #14 in Le Claire, Iowa. There were times when nothing happened. The Bald Eagles were just sitting in the trees and the photographers tried to stay warm. But as soon one eagle takes off for catching fish, the action starts and you have to make decisions what bird you like to follow with the camera. The light was great and I put my attention to a small spot below the trees where the eagles usually rest, and where the warm light of the low sun is reflected. The area has a lot of distracting background to offer. From a steel tower of a phone company to ugly branches and buildings, you name it. I try to make photos of the Bald Eagles since three years now and I'm not interested anymore in pictures where an antenna or branch cuts the neck of the bird or a shiny metal roof is part of the image. The fish the eagle holds in its talons is small, you hardly can see it, but the picture tells the story of a successful catch in wonderful late afternoon light. It was a great way to begin another year... :-)