The concentration of a raptor on landing is nearly always intense. Throw an impending fight into the mix and that intensity becomes almost palpable.
1/1600, f/8, ISO 500, Canon 40D, 500 f/4, not baited, set up or called in (though the fish were killed by refuge personnel)
This is an older image of an adult Bald Eagle coming in for a landing near the shore of a pond at Farmington Bay. Just out of frame to the right are several other adult and juvenile eagles feeding on carp. This bird wants its share of the bounty and is very willing to pay the price. Immediately after the eagle landed there was much aggressive posturing and several fights broke out though there were enough fish that they didn’t last long. This was one of those times that I wish I’d been using my other lens (100-400mm zoom) – even without my teleconverter attached I was too close for the action.
I chose a Bald Eagle as my subject this morning because I’ve been thinking about them a lot lately. So many of our Utah birds have died of West Nile virus (WNV) that the local refuges cancelled their annual carp kill so the surviving birds are largely dispersed and much less cooperative for birders and photographers. I’m fine with that and I’m glad they made the decision they did but as the time for the eagles to head north quickly approaches I do feel the pangs of not having spent much time with them this winter.
Hopefully by this time next year researchers will have a handle on the precise reason why WNV has so unexpectedly caused such devastation in our wintering Bald Eagle population and next years birds will be healthy and thriving.
Ron
I love the intensity of this photo.
What a sensational shot Ron! Thanks for sharing!
Charlotte
Breathtaking.
The intensity in the eyes is so clear. It’s a beautiful photo (as per usual ;-)). I’m saddened as well about how the WNV has affected the population. I hope they bounce back from this quickly.
Thank you to all who have commented so far – for your kind words about the image and for your concern for the eagles.
“Essence of Eagle”
Awesome photo Ron. I too am heartbroken about all the eagles who lost their life. I am on the East coast and I am currently watching 5 Eagle nests and they are all thriving.So maybe some of them will move west.
An incredible image. And, what is palpable for me this morning is your yearning (and mine) for the survival of as many eagles as possible.
Love this shot!
As soon as I saw this guy, with his intense stare and his balled up fists, I started waving white flags like mad!!! I want there to be no mistake…I’m definitely CHICKEN…maybe that’s not a good choice if words…..
A spectacular photo, Ron, and I share your wishes that the Eagles will be spared from the West Nile virus sometime soon…
Such a marvelous Bald Eagle. Amazing photo. It really is sad about the WNV.
In this photo, I particularly love his big claw feet! 🙂
That is the most intense photo I’ve seen on your blog. Wow!! What a shot! I would not want to be on the bad side of that eagle!
Great Photo Ron and what an intense stare !
Thank you, John.