These images capture the raw power and grace of the bald eagle in its natural habitat in West Virginia. Soaring high above the rugged Appalachian landscape, these raptors are a true symbol of freedom and resilience. With a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet and eyesight up to eight times sharper than humans, bald eagles can spot prey from over two miles away.

Alongside the dramatic in-flight shots, this collection also features a bald eagle perched in its nest—a rare and intimate glimpse into their nesting behavior. Bald eagles build the largest nests of any North American bird, sometimes reaching over 10 feet wide and weighing more than a ton. Carefully constructed high in trees near rivers and lakes, these nests serve as a safe haven for raising their young, reinforcing the strength of the species’ resurgence.

Once on the brink of extinction, bald eagles have made an incredible recovery thanks to conservation efforts, and today, they thrive along West Virginia’s rivers and forests. These photographs highlight the delicate balance between strength and elegance, as golden light accentuates their striking plumage and the intensity of their gaze. Each frame tells a story of survival, precision, and the untamed beauty of one of North America’s most iconic birds.