Tawny Eagle (Juvenile)

[Morkel Erasmus]

I just returned from a fabulous albeit too short (aren't they always?) trip to the Kruger National Park. Had some amazing avian and wildlife sightings and spent some quality time with my lovely wife and my parents.

This juvenile Tawny Eagle was doing some lovely posing for my camera. Unfortunately I botched the take-off shot (@ 1.5fps you only get one frame) - and he flew off in an unfavourable direction.

Oh - and the funny white blob on the stump is there on all the RAW images - probably a feather stuck there from preening.

Your comments and suggestions most welcome as always :)

Techs:
Canon 1000D with 100-400mm L IS USM
f8.0 @ 1/1600 SS @ ISO 400
Exp +0.3

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the pose and eye contact but the bird looks rather soft on my monitor. A better light angle would have made it even better. I look forward to your images from the trip.

[Connie Mier]

I like the posture of the bird, nice exposure too. I agree with Axel, it does look a bit soft.

[Arthur Morris]

I like the wing stretch and it looks pretty sharp to these old eyes. The big bummer for me is that the far foot is hidden behind that extra part of the perch.

[Brian Barcelos]

Morkel, Love the pose and your exposure is great. Also love the colors of the juveniles plumage. Sharpness looks fine to me. I'd cut a little off the right though. Congrats.

Brian

[Loukie Viljoen]

Nice pose, my monitor shows it sharp, sorry about the amputation.

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks guys. looks pretty sharp on my monitor too so I want to avoid oversharpening or halos. :)

yeah - the foot...I think I got some more where the feet are more visible...

[Stu Bowie]

Now to practise your take off shots mate. I like the pre take off posture, and lovely light cast on the eagle. Great sighting.

[Ken Watkins]

Very nice and sharp enough for me. I see you suffer from taking off in the wrong direction this has been an all to commonplace disease for me as well, but every now and again miracles happen.

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks Stu & Ken!