Kip’s Comments - February 19, 2025

Words My Mother May Have Been Thinking, But Not Speaking

During a drive today with my mother we passed this bald eagle perched majestically in a tree along the road. Of course I quickly turned her car around after driving past, drove past the eagle in the opposite direction, and then turned around one more time so I could compose images out of my driver’s window. As soon as I opened my window I could hear my camera struggling to focus due to the heat from the car causing “waves” that killed my autofocus. Having seen this phenomenon many times, I knew the “fix” for the situation. All I need to do was turn the heater off, open the windows so there were no temperature inversions, and photograph the bird, assuming it remained on the tree branch watching us.

Luck was on our side as the eagle stayed put, turned its head back and forth, but did not take flight. When air temperatures between the outside and car equalized, my lens could lock focus with ease.

Adult Bald Eagle in Tree - Image 944443

My mother tends to be a cold-blooded woman, especially when temperatures are not yet above zero. For us to sit along the highway with no heat in the car and the windows down really pushed her limits. Fortunately she was understanding enough to tolerate my passion to create nice wildlife photos. This image was one of several compositions.

Thanks Mom for thinking something, but not saying it. I do appreciate your sacrifice and patience!