Bald Eagle in flight and Close up

[BCrose]

I was lucky to catch this shot of a Bald Eagle in flight from my Kayak on a small lake near where I live.
After it landed in a nearby tree I was able to get some good close ups. I used the Nikon D4 and 400mmVR 2.8 for these shots.

[Bobobird]

Must have been quite a thrill to get it so close and in a good photo mood.

Great shots.

[Jack R Mann]

WEll done love this bird.

[Steve S]

Nice shots. Do we have a first name? Welcome to the forum.

Must be fun to shoot out of a kayak. Don't you worry about dunking your gear?


You did a great job on the BIF, but the second one has a slight green cast. A little magenta to correct it.

[Nancy Moran G]

Ditto Steve S, I am still afraid to be even standing near water!
Incredible shot, you will have a lot of envious people on the forum.
Welcome, Nancy

[davidedric]

Lovely shots, especially the in flight one - getting it so sharp whilst in a boat

[jamn4ex]

Nancy was right! I am envious... of your skills

[JPS]

Fantastic shots.
Well done.

[BCrose]

Thanks all. Yes, A bit nervous with the gear. But what the hey...it helps get the shots

Here is my set up with the D800 attached...in case you want to give it a go. Nothing elaborate.



And there is something about approaching birds from the water, they do not fear you nearly as much.
Check the video below...this is me cruising by a Great Blue Heron on my Kayak. Can't get better than that!

[terrib]

My first thought was (like a few others have said) that you are really brave to carry your gear on a kayak. You must be an experienced kayaker! I'd be flipping it all upside down.

But beautiful shots! I'm glad you shared.

[rpcrowe]

Great captures of a beautiful bird...

[Nat]

You are absolutely insane to do that with your equipment, but what a great close-up. Such detail.....I want that lens!! AND the camera. Well done.

[Plumcrak]

Great shots. Put some large out-riggers on that yellow banana & I might try it...Nah, still too tippy.
Well done.

[jeeperman]

I have done plenty of boating, and in all sizes. It must be less than comfy sitting on the large brass ones. Nice images. I took a shot over the summer of nearly the same set up aboard a sturdy raft type boat and still could not bring myself to have a go.

[BCrose]

Thanks for the feedback. The Kayak is actually quite sturdy. Hard to tip.
What I like is the low perspective it allows you to get. Like you are right down on the water with them.
Some Buffleheads one early sunrise morning

[BCrose]

Here is a closeup of the Great Blue Heron from the image above where I am cruising by in the Kayak.

[jeeperman]

The perspective you have achieved with the Buffleheads is making me re-think my boating issues. Well done.

[Nat]

Awe inspiring shots....I see what you mean....but on my boat, I find the birds usually fly off on my approach....and don't come back!! Maybe it's the motor? Oh, and if anybody has not bought my Christmas present yet, I am hoping for something like BCrose's camera and lens.....please.