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Self Defense
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Self Defense

by Gary Minish

Gallery: AvianPosted January 1, 2018139 views5 comments
A juvenile Bald Eagle flipping upside down to defend itself from an attacking adult Bald Eagle.  They were fighting over a salmon carcass and went at it a number of times while I was watching.  The juvenile ultimately won the prize when the adult gave up and left.  In this particular episode, the juvenile ended up on his back in the stream and lost the salmon for a little while.

Since I know the question will come up, the halos on the bottom of the adult eagle's wings has nothing to do with processing and everything to do with the intense back lighting of the scene.  They were there in the original raw file.  It was an extremely difficult light situation and I didn't expect the photos to come out as well as they did.

Sony a6500, SEL70200G @ 198 mm, ISO-250, f/3.2, 1/1250, hand held, approx. 30% crop.

Comments

5 comments
Comment posted by John Tobias on January 1, 2018 at 8:07 PM
There is a lot of great details in this image when you view it large!  I think you have handled the lighting very well.  Good eye to see and capture this action.  I am surprised the juvenile won the salmon.  Thanks for sharing.
Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments
Comment posted by Jim Hansen on January 1, 2018 at 11:52 PM
This looks great in the large version Gary.  Wonderful action shot with lots of good detail.  Congratulations on catching this one!
Registered on May 5, 2011, 161 Posts, 908 Comments
Comment posted by Nishand Venugopal on January 2, 2018 at 9:41 AM
Great action photo, really nice time too, thanks for sharing Mr. Gary
Registered on January 3, 2017, 123 Posts, 84 Comments
Comment posted by David Schoen on January 2, 2018 at 12:52 PM
Fascinating action shot with good detail.  Although a little bit dark, you did a good job with the processing. I see a slight blue cast but it adds to the cold winter feeling in the image.
Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments
Comment posted by Dennis Plank on January 2, 2018 at 5:23 PM
A very cool documentary image, Gary.  Sometimes the light isn't with us, but the natural history aspect more than makes up for it.  This is one of those situations for me.
Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments