It’s been a weird winter in the St. Croix River region, but us humans know it’s still a ways to go before the ice breaks up and the world begins to thaw. The Bald eagles of the area aren’t waiting for spring, though. They are already busy building their nests in preparation for another breeding season.

Photographer Gary Noren of St. Croix Falls recently got a couple absolutely amazing shots near his home. In his own words:

The eagles were both sitting on branches near their nest as I approached them on the river. I know they could see me way before I saw them. When I got within a quarter mile, they flew off to Wisconsin. I just kept walking towards their nest and one returned for a few poses and then left. I waited quite awhile and then headed for the Wisconsin shore to begin my hike home. Midway across the river, an eagle…with a branch! flies right over my head and allows me to shoot at least a dozen photos – coming and going. I’m guessing s/he was within 100 feet, but I’m not sure because my head was in my camera.

Thanks, Gary!