Long-crested Eagle in flight

[Morkel Erasmus]

I just returned from 2 weeks of road-tripping and a further 1 week safari in Botswana.

This rare eagle was spotted while canoeing on the Okavango Delta on a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe). We followed it as it was hunting, and eventually it settled on a perch in the middle of a small island. I had to get out and stalk it by foot from there. I was able to fire off a few frames as it took off...this is almost full frame. I wish I had gotten round more to the RHS for better light direction but am still pleased with this, my first of the species.

I might post a perched shot later to show the crest which is folded flat on top of the head in this frame.

All critique much appreciated!

Techs:
Canon 7D with 300mm f2.8 L IS USM + 2.0x TC-III (600mm)
f8.0 @ 1/3200 SS @ ISO-1600
Exposure bias +1 (could have probably gone up another third or two)
Bumped the ISO to ensure shutter speed as I was handholding.

[Dave Leroy]

Lovely pose and good timing. Nice details on the far wing.

The downside is as you mention light angle. But definitely a very nice keeper and well worth the effort.

Nice to see the detail at ISO1600 with the 7D. Good looking set up for canoeing around in a dugout.

Dave

[Ofer Levy]

Nice and sharp!

[Steve Maxson]

Hi Morkel. Perfect wing position, excellent sharpness, a good flight angle - facing slightly toward us, and a nice comp. Not bad for a first shot of a rare species! I wonder if you can pick up any more detail in the dark areas of the near wing and in the shadows of the breast/belly/tail? Overall, this is well done.

[arash_hazeghi]

very nice pose Morkel, I would try to lighten the dark areas. He looks very serious!

[Nick Palmieri]

Agree on lightening the darks just a tad. Great capture!

[Daniel Cadieux]

A bit dark on the near wing and a bit tight in the frame IMO, but otherwise wonderful image. Lovely pose, very sharp as posted - good intense stare too. Good story to go along with the image...

[Vivaldo Damilano]

I would be very happy getting this shot Morkel, agree with lightening dark areas but a lovely keeper TFS

[Kiran Poonacha]

Beautiful looking bird Bhai. nice pose and love that yellow eye.

[Tommy Rodgers]

Great shot. I agree with the comments about the light. However, a shot of a new species for you and a rare species for all us in less than ideal light is one I will take every time. Good work on the stalk.

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks for the kind feedback everyone.

here is a repost with the near wing lightened a tad...

[Dumay de Boulle]

Repost does look better and nice to see the image bigger than our home forum...IQ looks good bud!

[Pieter de Waal]

Hi Morkel well done on this one, still one of my sought after species. Great flight angle showing detail of both upper and underwing. Nice and sharp with good detail on the head and face.

[Arno Ellmer]

Superb capture of a special raptor ,Morkel.Yes ,the crest is normally very visible when the bird is perching.
The repost is a good improvement.

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks guys!!