Bald Eagle

[Ron Sprunger]

Went through Yellowstone Saturday on my way to my aunt's 102nd bd. This guy posed for me from 75 yards across the Madison River, but he was watching me closely. The light was a little harsh, and I don't like the shadow across his back. Does the tangled perch work? C&C welcome.

Nikon D7000, 200-400 f/4, 1.7x, distance 70.8 m
f/6.7, 1/500, ISO 200 (Av -2 ev)

[dankearl]

I like it, the bird is sharp and the perch is gnarly and fits a Bald Eagle.
The shadow line running across is unfortunate, but it is a nice scene.

[ramesh anantharaman]

Hello Ron,

A very arty feel to the image as a whole. But as you have mentioned the shadow is a bit of a letdown. well difficult to get it all in the wild. But i like the way this has been portrayed despite the cluttered perch.

[Ron Sprunger]

Dan and Ramesh, thanks for looking and commenting. I don't know whether I should even post an image with that kind of annoying flaw, but I loved the way he cocked his head to ruffle (air?) his neck feathers, having just been in the water. I saw the shadow the moment I brought the lens to him, but of course could do nothing about it. A moment later he tired of the attention and left the scene.

[Arthur Morris]

Ron, For many of the factors that you mentioned: harsh light (with the resultant shadows), tangled branches, and the shadow, this does not cut it for me. It might have had a chance on a cloudy day if you were able to maintain the dof.... Lastly, the whole bird is angled ever so slightly away from you.

[Ron Sprunger]

Thanks Artie, I appreciate you looking at it. I don't get many shots at these guys, so wanted to give it a try. Hoping I get better circumstances next time.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Artie, I appreciate you looking at it. I don't get many shots at these guys, so wanted to give it a try. Hoping I get better circumstances next time.

Hey Ron, YAW; thanks for being open to my comments.