Bald Eagle in the backyard

[Bruce Enns]

This is a full frame shot from our back deck...this large cottonwood tree in the corner of our yard (about 100 m from the deck) has become a favorite perch of a family group of Bald Eagles in the past week or so. It is about 300 metres from the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers in Castlegar, BC. This was the cleanest shot of many in terms of branches in the way, and two branches that merged with or crossed the bird have been removed.

see the wider perspective here: http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=54777, the tree is on the left, and I have no idea who the guy under the rag is...:D


Canon 7D, ISO 1600, 1/800s, f/5.6, +2EV Canon 500 plus 1.4x, Gitzo tripod and Jobu HD2 gimbal head, PP in LR 2.6 and PS CS4, pushed another 1/3 stop in PP, Noise Ninja noise reduction

I like the perch, the peaceful feel and the eye contact with the eagle.

Comments always appreciated!

Thanks for looking!

Cheers!
Bruce

[Axel Hildebrandt]

The composition works really well. The eye contact and angle are good, too. I would have gone to a lower ISO since the bird is stationary.

[Bruce Enns]

Thanks Axel, I should have mentioned that I am learning this new body (7D) and am interested in the ISO 1600 and up performance because I often get really low light in winter. Today was considerably brighter than most...yesterday I was shooting at about the same time of day at 1/250s and +1EV at ISO 3200. I agree that today I could have lowered the ISO to 800, and could possibly also have closed down a stop.

Cheers!
Bruce

[arash_hazeghi]

Very nice ambiance here, I like the comp and the fact that the bird is clear of branches. exposure is good too, well done

[Stu Bowie]

I wouldnt miss up an opportunity like this either - beautiful speciman, and glad he gave you a lookback pose. You have exposed the head nicely.

[Bruce Enns]

Thanks for the comments Arash and Stuart!

Cheers!
Bruce

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

THanks for pointing me here Bruce. Nice species to have in your yard mate. :D I like the comp and the jumble of branches makes sense to me. Good work mate! :)

[Bruce Enns]

Thanks Akos, Yes, definitely a treat having them here...I would like to 'fix' the tree to make it a bit more eagle and osprey friendly, but it is very large and I don't want to hurt myself...:p