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Fish Tail Feast
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Fish Tail Feast

by Gary Minish

Gallery: AvianPosted November 19, 2016119 views5 comments
3rd photo in the series of photos I took of a juvenile Bald Eagle that I was able to sneak up on.  By this time it had pretty well finished off the salmon and was trying to break down the tail to a size it could swallow.  The magpie had finally registered that I was a human and left the scene but eagle appeared to be unaware or didn't care. 

Sony a6300, FE 70-200 F2.8 GM with 2X TC @ 278mm, ISO-100, f/5.6, 1/640

Comments

5 comments
Comment posted by David Bogener on November 19, 2016 at 9:42 AM
Nice image Gary.  I like the pose and detail.  Prey is a plus.  Perhaps a bit tight, but with the busy background I would have gone tight as well.  Well done. 
Registered on October 30, 2013, 417 Posts, 1255 Comments
Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on November 19, 2016 at 3:46 PM
Great behavioral shot, Gary. I like the tight crop; it seems to work well here.

When you see an eagle bothering with a fish tail, it means it's been lean times. Not much nutrition there. Either the return of fish was low or this kid is a slow learner.
Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments
Comment posted by Dennis Plank on November 19, 2016 at 4:26 PM
Nice job on this one, Gary.  Maybe just a tad tight in the frame, but beautiful detail in the plumage.  This really shows how well the juveniles are camouflaged. 

devil
Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments
Comment posted by Barbara Graham on November 20, 2016 at 8:54 PM
Great detail in the bird, and I agree the tightness in the frame was necessary for this scene.
Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments
Comment posted by David Schoen on November 21, 2016 at 10:46 PM
Of the three images you posted, I like this one the best because it is the least cluttered and has a single focus; the Eagle and its prey.  I'm pretty impressed that you are able to get this close and be able to take this many photos without the Eagle caring so much at your proximity.  Your detail is terrific and the exposure is just right.
Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments