Tawny Eagle

[Chris van Rooyen]

I photographed this eagle last year in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. It had just robbed a Lanner Falcon of its sandgrouse kill. The eagles hang around the waterholes and wait for the falcons to make a kill, and then rob them! I could not help to feel a bit sorry for the falcon. I lightened some dark blotches in the background and added some canvas to the top. Was quite late in the morning, would have liked the light to be a bit softer/richer. Crop about 25%

Camera Model: NIKON D850
Date/Time: 2022:01:23
Shutter speed: 1/5000 sec
Aperture: 7.1
Exposure mode: Manual
Exposure compensation: +1/3
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 2000
Lens: 500.0 mm f/5.6 PF

Processed in LR and PS

[Ian McLachlan]

That 500 PF works really well on this camera and I suspect on the Z9. Like this bird against that background lot. Excellent for a late morning shot

[Dorian Anderson]

I think this a fine result in what look like slightly steep light. Prey really adds to the story. Love all the detail on the upper underwing. Primaries on lower wing look a bit heavy, so I'm
curious if you can extract a bit of detail from them. Lack of catchlight in eye is a minor point.

[Kurt Bowman]

A fine frame especially considering the light angle. I like the talons full of lunch. Wish for a bit of catchlight, but that isn't a deal breaker. Nice work!

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Chris ... a really nice flight shot with a good wingposition .
Color and tones looking good , as does the sharpness and details .... personally i would drop the oranges a touch in the subject .
I am not 100 % sure about the squarish crop , but this could be just me , and a matter of taste .

A fine image and TFS Andreas

[Brian Sump]

Chris, lovely view of this species. I love eagles but have so many more to see.

First off, the bkgs you have been getting are very pretty. This one, mottled with so many colors is great.

The overall underside view with relatively flat wings works okay because he is tilted toward the lens.

The light angle wasn't your best friend here but you managed it pretty well considering. Love the Sandgrouse in the talons. I could stand a touch of noise reduction in the bkg.

TFS1

[arash_hazeghi]

good to see you post here again Chirs!
I like the image, it has dynamic pose with a hint of prey, good details. the light angle was a bit off but you were able to pull off this one nicely. if mine I'd raise the exposure on the far wing a bit and sharpen the eagle a touch more. magnificent bird

TFS

[Chris van Rooyen]

Thanks everyone for the comments, always good and I always learn something new🙏! The Kgalagadi is a raptor paradise, but the light does get harsh rather quickly. I think I have saturated the eagle a touch too much to compensate. I'm leaving later this week for 7 days in the Park, can't wait to get there!