Immature Bald Eagle
Immature Bald Eagle
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Awards
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Spring Selection Award
Contest Finalist in Covers Photo Contest Vol 27
Peer Award
Superb Composition
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Outstanding Creativity
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krofoto
February 26, 2016
This has to be, to date, the best shot I've seen. I've waited for hours for a good hawk shot. This is the best!
IzzyDavidsonPhotography
March 13, 2016
kinda makes you feel insignificant, with it looking at you like that, the superior one, looking down upon you. INCREDIBLE!!!!!
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken on the banks of the Bow River in my hometown of Calgary, Alberta.Time
About 2 PM, on December 9, I went down to the river bank to shoot some of the local Mallard and Goldeneye ducks that are usually on the river. It had been unusually warm that day and a heavy rain and snow shower had just gone through.Lighting
The light was flat due to the heavy cloud cover.Equipment
I shoot a Nikon D7000 with a Tamron 150mm - 600mm lens. Because of the flat and fading light, this was shot at 1/400 sec, f7.1, 450mm, and ISO 1600.Inspiration
As I was watching my original targets, I noticed a flock of about 20 Goldeneyes take to air all at once from the river surface. My previous experience with these little rockets told me that something had spooked them. I looked down the river and spotted this immature Bald Eagle flying towards me. They travel in the river corridor, searching for the weak and crippled birds that provide most of their meals. He circled twice and landed in a tree about 50 yards away from where I was standing. He was intent on looking at the river, and did not pay any attention to me until I was almost directly under him. I used a tree trunk as a rest and started shooting. After about 20 frames, he finally noticed me and looked directly into the camera!Editing
I cropped, lightened, sharpened, and cloned out some branches in the photo.In my camera bag
I carry the Nikon D7000, Nikkor 80mm - 400mm, Tamron 150mm - 600mm, and a Nikon 18mm - 70mm for close-ups.Feedback
The vast majority of my photography is wildlife, birds and animals. I spend a lot of time outdoors. The conditions are always variable, and very often with poor light. Dress well, be prepared for any climatic conditions, and be ready for immediate action as it is required. It is always a challenge to attempt to get the "perfect shot", and that is why we do it.