OPENING SHOT Mid-air magic Photo: by Ron Hayes Gear: Canon EOS-1D X Settings: 1/1600 sec, f/4, ISO 640 S ome images are happy accidents, and this photograph of a bald eagle is one of them. This bald eagle was perched on a lowhanging limb overlooking the Madison River in northwest Wyoming. I slowly and methodically exited the vehicle envisioning a full-frame portrait with an awe-inspiring backdrop. In my mind, it was a dream shot. As I leveled my tripod, ready for an almost eye-level shot, the slamming of a door nearby sent the bird to the air. I sat, frustrated with the lost opportunity and watched the eagle fly southwest. Then the bird banked and headed back in my direction. It lost elevation as it flew and turned back down the river corridor 15 to 20 feet above the water and directly in front of my camera. The break in the trees gives the image an almost three-dimensional effect. In the end, I couldn't be happier with the resulting shot. Wyoming Wildlife | 7