GOLDEN EAGLE

[gary ellwein]

I came upon at least 5 of these magnificent birds feeding on a deer carcass along the South Fork of the Snake River. We saw each other about the same time and they flushed before I could stop and get some still shots. I got my vehicle out of the immediate area and waited to see if they would return to the carcass. This all was taking place at the base of a 150 foot cliff whch significantly limited my field of vision. Two of the eagles returned and circled, popping in and out of view over the edge of the cliff. I was not prepared for a long stakeout in the snow and settled for images similar to the one submitted. The IQ is subpar for this forum due to a significant crop of approximately 80%. I have not seen too many golden eagle images submitted and thought I'd share a special momentin the field. Nikon D3s, Nikkor 70-200, 2.0 TC, f5.6, 1/1250, iso 400, hanheld. Minimal PP with levels, curves and usm. C&C appreciated.

[arash_hazeghi]

It is a nemesis bird indeed and very hard to find. I have never seen one in the wild.

The heavy crop explain the IQ/noise. Hopefully he will come closer next time or you'll have a longer lens

TFS

[thijs broekkamp]

Indeed the quality is not that good because of the crop, great bird though.

[Faraaz Abdool]

Oh the fact that this is a golden eagle makes up for anything. This could've been a 100% crop and still retain it's grandeur. Wish I could see one of these birds in the wild. Absolutely awesome species.

[Joe Senzatimore]

Lots of noise and soft. Both probably due to the large crop. Still not one to pass up , and considering the conditions , etc , it ain't bad. Maybe not the best , but a keeper for sure. Must have been a great scene to watch.

[Marina Scarr]

Lucky you to have witnessed and photographed this bird. You have a terrific flight pose. It's too bad the image has suffered from the big crop.

[Rachel Hollander]

It's great that you got to see a golden eagle in the wild and got a record shot too. IQ issues aside due to the crop, still sounds like a fantastic sighting.

TFS,
Rachel

[Karl Egressy]

I only had one chance to shoot this bird. Great find and nice flight shot, Gary.

[Colin Gilyeat]

While you did lose a lot of quality because of the crop, IMO, any image of a golden eagle in the wild is a good image.

Colin

[Satish Ranadive]

Gary:
Great flight pose of elegant bird you have captured.Love the golden color along the edges of beautiful wing span.

Regards,
Satish.