Martial Eagle
Stunning raptor and the only known bird of prey to have attempted to take a human child in Zimbabwe!
Stunning raptor and the only known bird of prey to have attempted to take a human child in Zimbabwe!
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Feb, 2020Views
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Outstanding Creativity
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
All Star
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Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
Last day of a simply epic safari with an old pal of mine and his wife and two sons. We had spent some significant time in very remote parts of Africa and were finishing a walk when we noticed the Martial sitting in a tree directly above our parked Land Rover. We slowly approached him and he did not seem at all frightened or disturbed. All in we spent about 30 minutes watching him when he suddenly seemed to be very interested in a flock of Guinea Fowl coming down to the stream, I managed to catch him as he launched himself at the unsuspecting flock. Unfortunately for him he missed but it was a nice way to end a really memorable safari.Time
We had been walking for approximately 3 hours, from around 0700-1000 in the morning, it was just starting to heat up in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.Lighting
So for once as we approached the tree where the eagle was roosting the sun by a miracle was absolutely perfect, I did not need to move around very much and actually walked a little closer without disturbing him.Equipment
Canon 7D MkII 400mm lens, hand held.Inspiration
I have always loved the big raptors, their majesty, grace, power and ability to project effortless might as they fly. Any chance I get in front of one of them and I am snapping away.Editing
All I did for this photo was develop in LR Classic and that was just a small crop.In my camera bag
As a safari guide I carry a full first aid kit, water, some rehydration salts, salted peanuts, GPS, map and compass, spare camera batteries, wide angle lens. Fortunately the weather in Southern Africa during the peak safari period means you don't need layers of clothing. I also carry a pair of binoculars, an ash bag for testing wind direction, which is essential for wildlife like elephant and cape buffalo.Feedback
Go slow, especially at the end of a long walk when the car is in sight people invariably tend to drop their guard, loosen up and start talking loudly. In this case we were fortunate enough to spot the bird before we raced to the car and the waiting cooler full of ice cold water.
