Eagle and Goshawk interaction

[Chris van Rooyen]

This is another image from my recent trip to the Kgalagadi. The Pale Chanting Goshawk took it upon himself to mob the Martial Eagle female at her nest. The male promptly came to her rescue, and chased the goshawk away. This is one of a series of images of the two birds in action.

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Date/Time: 2008:07:30 09:09:04
Shutter speed: 1/5000 sec
Aperture: 6.3
Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: +1/3
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 640
Focal length: 500mm

[Doug Brown]

Nice action captured here Chris! Sharpness and exposure are excellent, although I'm wondering if this was a sizable crop. Too bad you can't see the eagle's eyes, but still a good photo. Thanks for posting!

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Cool interaction and details. Being able to see the eagle's eye would have made it even better. Maybe a bit NR on the BG. Thanks for sharing!

[Jasper Doest]

Ah....that is a nice one.....lovely interaction and I don't mind that we don't see the eagle's eye at all. I wouldn't mind a square format, so that the eagle has a bit more space to move into....

[Vincent Grafhorst]

Great interaction here Chris, a unique shot IMO. I did not think Goshwaks would have the guts to take on a martial eagle!

[Arthur Morris]

If the eagle had turned his head square to the back of the camera this would be a likely BBC honoree at least. Still quite wonderful with great EXP control.