More Eagle Files - Masters of Flight

[NorthernFocus]

I started shooting BIF in 2008. Shooting bigger, slower birds (e.g geese)helped with some early successes. Then I tried some eagles and it was a different story. They're easy enough to hit in straight line flight. But when they start maneuvering, either fishing or fighting, they move fast and rarely in a straight line. So the first successful fishing shot that I got was pretty special. That first success is no.1 below and to this day it is still one of my favorites.

I've never read it in any reference material but one thing I've noticed from dozens of eagle shoots is that when they turn their heads always stay level. No matter how hard they bank, the head stays aligned vertically. Also once they see a fish and start to dive, their eyes stay locked on the target as the bank and contort their bodies as necessary to line up for the catch. Following are some example shots. Note the beak aligned vertically in each shot.

As always best viewed in the light box.

1) This is that shot from 2008. Nikon D200, Sigma 100-300mm HSM, f/8 @ 195 mm, 1/1000, ISO 500



2) Shot in 2009. This bird chased another till it dropped its fish then circled back to pick it up. I wasn't able to capture the action of the chase but the fish dropped within shooting range of our boat. So when the victor came to collect the spoils I also scored. Nikon D300, Sigma 100-300 HSM, f/5.6 @ 300 mm, 1/1000, ISO 640



3) Another shot from 2009. This bird was chasing another and they came right over us (that's why nothing by sky as BG). This one really demonstrates what I'm talking about with the head staying level even with the body twisted 90 degrees or slightly more. Also notice how they pull their legs up and down to twist the tail depending on which way they are turning. Nikon D300, Nikon 200-400mm VR, f/5.6 @ 240 mm, 1/1000, ISO 500



4) Here's one from 2014 with the bird in a hard bank. Notice the level head again. This was another chase that came real close to the boat. Nikon D4, 200-400mm VR w/1.4x TC, f/5.6 @ 370 mm, 1/1600, ISO 800

[Shadowman]

Another great set.

[IzzieK]

Oh Wow! Although the series are all beautiful, I like the ones with the background best (#1 and #2). Perfect shots all.

[marlunn]

Dan, all superb, for me #3 is the one I keep going back to.

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for commenting everyone. Izzie, I like the ones with BG also. Though for content, no.3 is perhaps my favorite flight shot ever. Which is why it is still in the files. I'm tempted to try and make a composite of that one with a different BG.

[IzzieK]

That is a very good idea, Dan...In preparation for July 4th or Veterans Day, I can already see one of those patriotic shots like the USA flag being held in its beak. But I will prefer a darker version and flipped horizontally. Is this too much work? Lots of possibilities in #3 and #4...