The return of the American bald eagle to the Hudson Valley is a great triumph for conservation. They can easily be seen by any birder who is interested in adding them to their list. Trying to get them within photographic range is a whole other deal entirely. There are many locations along the Hudson to see if they are hanging around. Even finding them along side the road in a tree is possible! You must be alert to try and find them. Unfortunately not every lighting situation is ideal and its important to know when a shot just isn’t worth it. However the day wasn’t left wanting more. We made the best of what we were given and that is all you can ask for.
After checking Croton Point Park we headed for the dam. The spillway is a favorite place of mine. Unfortunately it lacked the huge collection frost along the wall and trees like last year. I guess it just wasn’t as bitter cold.
This is the reason why. You can selectively use the areas that you want and eliminate the human elements. It’s hard to find rapids that look like this and this is one place I can get it every time. We’ll just keep that secret between us 
Our eagle that was close and back lit had taken flight. Never to return near us so I decided to shoot from below. Small in the frame, but great for text placement or just to show the majesty as they soar through the clouds.
After driving through many spots in search of bald eagles we headed for a drive through Harriman State Park. Pulling over in the car we noticed a ton of dark-eyed juncos looking for food in some of the decaying foliage. I decided to camp out and see if they would get closer. Even with sticking a 750mm equivalent lens outside a window they were at a distance. Plus competing with cars driving by wasn’t very helpful (they frequently scared the birds off.)
I wanted to do something creative. I really wanted to work with the frozen lakes, but finding foreground was such an issue. I finally came about this small defrosted area with a fantastic iron color in the water. This is an HDR (high dynamic range) image I put together. It wasn’t easy getting this as the wind was howling the snow off the lake into my face and lens. It brought temperatures down to at least the teens. So worth it.
I also gave it a go in dark sepia in Silver eFex Pro
*note* They finally fixed the CR-106 road and hopefully the dam will allow the refilling of the lakes for fall. The lakes were all frozen over and the snow had covered the ice; so no reflections.
We did find some companions through the park. Dina spotted a bunch of does on the side of the road. We tried to get close and only one was nice enough to pose.
Guess how long I waited for this shot? Any ideas? 45min! We Dina saw this possum laying on the side of the road. Our guess was roadkill. Checking it out we saw its ears wiggle. Knowing they play dead meant some true patience. I stood around in one spot not moving an inch. He was a good sport getting up enough to not make him look deceased. Those wouldn’t make pleasing photographs. Our only concern was trying to get him off the road. Unfortunately he wouldn’t budge and we don’t like to alter nature. Although I don’t consider becoming roadkill natural… Finding him out in the day means one of three things; as he is nocturnal. He is sick, hungry, or injured. Here is hoping it was just for food.
. As soon as the sun peaked over the tops the shutters were a flying. I got off as many until satisfied and ran for the car. I was looking to canvas a lot of area in a little time while still using the early morning sun. We headed down the country road and pulled off in a favorite spot of mine for the fall. The area I photographed previously was looking a bit dull. However, the tree line over all was screaming with color. hearty more robust colors i would have to say. Thankfully the sun was blocked by the trees when I got there. While I waited five to ten minutes, some would say I was wasting that time with a rising sun on the loose. I was actually gifted with what was to come and made the wait worth my while. There were just phenomenal colors blending together in a creamy wonderland mix! I focused on this one apparent tree that was very dramatic amongst the peaking color of the leaves. It brought focus to an image crying for a focal point.
