Birds in Habitat: Bald Eagle in Long Leaf Pine

[Ian Anderson]

I was just about to leave this morning when a fellow photographer spotted one of St Marks NWR's famous winter residents. I can't believe they are back already given the temperatures, but here's a fine example, hiding out in the native long leaf pine. Not the best shot composition or head angle-wise, but the twisted branches and long leaves (needles) required a trip into (big) alligator territory just to get a clean shot! I thought I would post it anyways in the spirit of the project and as my first as a BPN member.

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/200
Av( Aperture Value ) 11.0
Metering Mode Partial Metering
AE lock ON
Exposure Compensation +1
ISO Speed 800
Lens EF400mm f/5.6L USM +1.4x
Focal Length 560.0 mm
White Balance Mode Daylight
AF Mode Manual focusing

[Alan Murphy]

This is a very nice first post. I like the sense of habitat. The image could be improved if you did have some eye contact and if the bird was not centered within the frame. Good job on the exposure.