African Fish eagle - ruffled

[Steve Kaluski]

Another image taken from the same hide as the Egret posting.

Thanks to those who both viewed and more importantly, commented.

Steve

Subject: African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)
Location: SA
Camera: Canon 1DX MKII
Lens: 200-400f/4 Gitzo tripod, Flexline ball head, (with a parallel set-up mounted with another 1DX MKII & 70-200f/2.8 MKII if the subjects came closer)
Exposure: 1/2000s at f/6.3 ISO1250
Original format: Portrait, very small crop from the top, FF width
Processed via: LRCC Classic & PSCC2019

Notes:
- Shot through approx 1.5 inch glass
- The subject is fully wild and completely unconstrained. Nothing has been done to intentionally alter or affect the ongoing behaviour of the subject and, of course, there has been no use of any form of bait or other form of
wildlife attractants (including vocalisations) in the capture of this image.

[David Roach]

That is one awesome bird and you did this beauty justice. Love the water, BG, SH, EXP, details, the low angle and the slight side light. Only thing I wish for is less of a shadow on the shoulder/near wing base. The ruffled feathers really put it over the top for me. TFS

[John Mack]

Great view of this eagle. Love the ruffed look. The water and background are great.

[Paul Burdett]

Stunning in every respect.

[Arthur Morris]

Very nice Steve. Repost for David. Used my NIK CEP 50/50 Detail Extractor/Tonal Contrast recipe on the darkest tones, painted away the sunlit feathers within the dark feathers using a Regular Layer mask and a 50% opacity brush. Removed one white speck from the plumage and one background speck as well.

with love, artie

[Arthur Morris]

ps: should have done the undertail too ..

a

[Steve Kaluski]

Thanks folks.

Hi Artie, not getting any 'notifications' so just came across the replies by chance. Thanks for the RP, it does make a difference, however I guess we come at things in a different approach as I would use Channels & Curves rather than NIK, but works the same way and I also have the same control over the adjustment with Opacity, plus if required I might also change the Blend mode to, especially to protect any colour shift.

[arash_hazeghi]

cool shot Steve, wish to see one of these in wild some time, processing is good as is to me I just wish the wing was fully open :)

[Steve Kaluski]

wish to see one of these in wild some time

Arash, with you passion & love of raptors I think the Martial Eagle would be the one you would want to photograph

processing is good as is to me

When you consider it was shot through approx 1.5 inch glass, I was very surprised on the level of IQ and at 20x16 the image is crisp and pin sharp, sailed through the QC's of image libraries.

I just wish the wing was fully open

Indeed Arash, it had come down to drink but for such a bit bird it's easily spooked, but caught me out with the choice of format, it it had expended the wing I would have clipped it.