Through the Lens of Michael Garcia
Wildlife Photography & Field Observations
Michael Garcia is a wildlife photographer and observer who has contributed a collection of photographs documenting bald eagles, osprey, and other wildlife throughout the Washington, D.C., and Maryland region.
His photographs offer opportunities to explore animal behavior, nesting activity, and the importance of observing wildlife over time.
These contributions are presented as part of Twan’s Eagle Watch Foundation’s commitment to wildlife documentation, environmental education, and historical preservation.
Photography © Michael Garcia | Used with permission
Explore the collection: Bald Eagles · Osprey · Woodpeckers
Bald Eagles — At the nest An adult bald eagle stands among sticks and green leaves at a nest. Bald eagles build large stick nests, usually in tall trees. Photography © Michael Garcia | Used with permission
Bald Eagles — Nest watch A white-headed bald eagle sits low in a broad stick nest. Adult bald eagles have white heads and tails; younger birds have darker, variable plumage. Photography © Michael Garcia | Used with permission
Bald Eagles — Growing together Two young, dark-plumaged eagles stand side by side in a stick nest. Bald eagles take about five years to develop their familiar adult plumage. Photography © Michael Garcia | Used with permission
Bald Eagles — Across the sky A bald eagle flies against a clear blue sky with its wings extended. The white head and tail help distinguish an adult bald eagle. Photography © Michael Garcia | Used with permission
Bald Eagles — Wings and talons A bald eagle spreads its wings with its yellow legs and talons lowered. An eagle’s plumage changes as it matures; adults have contrasting white heads and tails. Photography © Michael Garcia | Used with permission
Bald Eagles — Leaving the perch A mottled, dark-headed eagle spreads its wings above a bare branch. Young bald eagles show variable patches of white before gaining adult plumage. Photography © Michael Garcia | Used with permission
Osprey — Wings above the nest An osprey raises its wings above a stick nest, with its yellow eye visible. Ospreys are fish-eating raptors that often nest near open water. Photography © Michael Garcia | Used with permission
Osprey — Carrying a catch An osprey flies with a fish held in its talons. An osprey’s feet are adapted to hold slippery fish. Photography © Michael Garcia | Used with permission
Osprey — A view from below Seen from below, an osprey carries a fish beneath its pale body and extended wings. Ospreys can reverse an outer toe to improve their grip on prey. Photography © Michael Garcia | Used with permission
Osprey — The grip A close view shows an osprey’s head and talons above a fish. An osprey’s large feet help it grasp fish. Photography © Michael Garcia | Used with permission
Osprey — Tail, talons, and fish An osprey’s spread tail and talons frame the fish held beneath it. Fish make up nearly all of an osprey’s diet. Photography © Michael Garcia | Used with permission
Osprey — Head-on flight An osprey faces the camera in flight, with raised wings and yellow eyes. A dark eye stripe and pale underparts are useful osprey identification features. Photography © Michael Garcia | Used with permission
Woodpeckers — Pileated woodpecker on a log A red-crested woodpecker stands on a fallen log with its bill angled down. Pileated woodpeckers search dead wood for carpenter ants and other insects. Photography © Michael Garcia | Used with permission
Woodpeckers — Pileated woodpecker at a tree A red-crested woodpecker clings to a tree trunk with its bill pointing upward. Pileated woodpeckers use their long, chisel-like bills to excavate wood. Photography © Michael Garcia | Used with permission
Woodpeckers — Pileated woodpecker in profile A red-crested woodpecker grips the side of a broad tree trunk. Dead trees and fallen logs provide important feeding places for pileated woodpeckers. Photography © Michael Garcia | Used with permission
Keep Looking. Keep Learning.
See It. Learn It. Document It. Tell It. Protect It.
Explore the Wildlife section · Bald Eagles · Osprey
Wildlife education references: Cornell Lab of Ornithology — Bald Eagle identification, Bald Eagle life history, Osprey, and Pileated Woodpecker.