The late afternoon sun kisses the wings of a bald eagle in flight as it banks above the frozen Mississippi River.

While Mama watches over the eaglet in the nest cup, Papa negotiates stiff southern breezes as he approaches with dinner for the family.

A bald eagle crosses a brief window of afternoon sunlight, its feathers outlined by soft directional light.

This immature Bald Eagle’s feathering is striking and beautifully complex , likely a year or two away from transforming into full adult plumage.

A bald eagle carries its freshly caught Mississippi River fish toward nearby trees for a quiet meal.

An immature Bald Eagle making its getaway after a really nice catch. that’s a beauty!

Watched this beauty glide with grace over the water for quite some time, mesmerized by a smooth operator.

High o'er the coast of Alaska he flies, Wide 'cross the prairies he covers the skies (Lyrics from "An Occasional Eagle" by Fred Carter Jr.)

“I know he’d be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly.” , John Denver.

The apex predator showing off one of its top gun maneuvers. Poor fish never had a chance against this Bald Eagle on the Mississippi River.