There is a wetland area on FM 1791 Southwest of Huntsville, just before 1791 cross the San Jacinto river bottom area. It was created 4-5 years ago I think. They brought in a lot of earth movers, built a good sized levy to hold the water, and planted a lot of trees. I have seen bald eagles sitting in the tops of trees along the road several times. However, they would ALWAYS fly to the next further tree just as I got close enough for a shot with my P&S camera. If I tried to move up and get closer, they would just do it again. It was like they were toying with me. They eventually just flew off into the wetland reservoir area, far out of range for that camera.
Here at our office, and sometimes at my home, both on the North side of Huntsville off of FM 980, we get a lot of the BIG Pileated Woodpeckers,
I chased one of these guys ALL OVER my parents wooded property here at our office (10 acres or so). He knew I was after him. He would sit on the back side of the trees and peek around to watch me. I had my 70-200mm on the D750 and was hoping to get a decent shot. As soon as I got close enough, he'd zip a few trees over and I'd have to start hiking again. This went on for 45 minutes or so before he finally just flew off out of sight and I couldn't find him again.
We also have quite a few different varieties of owls. But I have only seen one sitting in a tree once, years ago. All the other times they have been in flight and usually at night. I almost hit one with my truck a few weeks ago. It was HUGE. It came zooming down out of the trees on the right side of the road, RIGHT in front of the truck so that the head lights totally lit it up! Scared the pooh out of me
Then it flicked off to the left, just clearing the left headlight/hood and flew into the trees. The wingspan was easily 3 feet, if not more.