Bonelli's Eagle in the early morning

[Tiago Caravana]

Hello,

Today I post a Bonelli's Eagle male in the early morning. Sun was up about 30 minutes ago in a cloudy day, which forced me to work with very little light, so I used very high ISO sensitivities.

The setup was made with the pigeon tied up to the rock. It is interesting that usually in these cases when we try to attract prey or carrion birds with a prey or meat usually crows, magpies, eagles and kites arise. But in this case other birds did not approach the prey, out of respect, as we were in the territory of a couple of Bonelli's Eagles.

EXIF: Nikon D4 + 500mm f4 VR | ISO6400 | f4 | 1/400




All C&C is welcomed and thanked

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[Luis Patacao]

Hello Tiago,

A "fellow" Portuguese on the forum :). The high ISO really makes its presence in the image with a certain amount of noise being visible, and the top corners are a bit dark, maybe you can fix it in PP. Besides that i like the image specially the Strong Posture of the eagle.

[Jonathan Ashton]

I lik ethe image and the composition I don't know if it would take a little more crop?? I would suggest a little NR on the subject and a rather more on the background, - I don't think the noise is bad, but it could be reduced a little to enhance a fine shot.

[keith mitchell]

I would be so pleased to have a little noise at " ISO6400",you have finished with what looks to me a very acceptable image, fine looking Raptor.

Keith.

[John Robinson]

Good natural history shot which gives a good sensce of wilderness etc.
Like it
John

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the majestic pose, perch, setting and talons on the pigeon leave no doubt it belongs to him. I agree with NR on the BG. Nice image.

[Marina Scarr]

This is going to be one heck of an image once you give it some noise reduction, especially on the background. The bird could then use some more sharpening and the image a little more pop in color. Absolutely love the setting of this image. It has all elements and I wish it were mine!

[Shawn Zierman]

Wow, that's a really powerful image, especially with the eye contact from the eagle. I'd give that eagle respect too! Curious about the pigeon...Was it alive and tied up? How do you prevent the eagle from becomming entangled in whatever you used to tie the pigeon up with?

[shane shacaluga]

My favourite eagle. Great setting.

I too agree with some NR and a bit more sharpening on the Bonelli's

TFS

[Tiago Caravana]

Thanks a lot for all the feedback!
Shawn, the pigeon was alive and tied up with a very short cable thus there wasn't any problem with the eagle entangling herself.
I'll do the BG NR and eagle sharpening later today and repost it here.