I am participating in #FeatheredFriday created by @keithboone . He has some incredible bird photos, which can be seen here...

https://steemit.com/featheredfriday/@keithboone/feathered-friday-94f29884a5146est

I had taken a impromptu weekend road trip up to South Dakota in January a few years ago.  The last day there, we went to Mount Rushmore.  Which by the way is great to go in the winter because there is hardly anyone there.

After spending some time at Mount Rushmore we were leaving South Dakota.  That afternoon we came across multiple forms of very American wildlife on the road, which seemed so perfect having just spent some of the day at Mount Rushmore.  There were a few American Bison, as well as a bald eagle.  I've seen bald eagles in the wild before, but from a distance.  Usually in the air or high up in a tree.  This was a real treat, catching one just hanging out near the side of the road.  I was able to get some quick shots in before it flew off.

This was my favorite shot, taken just as it was about to take off.

<a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8876/16950717774_9b3c4eaef5_o.jpg"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8876/16950717774_59250003ac_b.jpg" /></a>

But there was a short stare down before flying away.

<a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7711/16950719474_4264995af0_o.jpg"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7711/16950719474_3e12ac5371_b.jpg" /></a>
<a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5342/17573197091_9e4fd58972_o.jpg"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5342/17573197091_6ceb8b512d_b.jpg" /></a>
<a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5443/16950720444_8edc1bcebd_o.jpg"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5443/16950720444_57e3e0d2cd_b.jpg" /></a>

And I know this is Feathered Friday, but it's worth sharing some Bison shots as well!

<a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8847/17573201371_568804015d_o.jpg"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8847/17573201371_e2f7b8d3d6_b.jpg" /></a>

<a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5449/17570986882_85ecaa9065_o.jpg"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5449/17570986882_1e37f38a6d_b.jpg" /></a>