At first glance veteran readers of Feathered Photography may think you’ve seen these images before. Believe me, you haven’t.
Back in February of 2011 I was fortunate enough to capture a 20 image sequence of an adult Bald Eagle eating a carp in midair at Farmington Bay WMA. In the past I’ve posted some of those images on my blog but since then I’ve largely ignored the rest. Last night I stumbled across them again and decided that some of the others deserved to see the light of day. None of these photos have ever been seen by anyone but me.
All images are presented in the order they were taken.
1/1600, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
On this day competition between eagles for the few available fish was fierce so there was a lot of squabbling on the ice. And to make things worse the gulls were harassing the eagles mercilessly for every little morsel of fish so this adult took off with its fish with the obvious intention of eating it in flight in order to avoid its tormentors. As it began to fly by me the eagle took its first bite out of the carp which caused scales and other fish debris to fall by the wayside.
1/1600, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
The eagle had a firm grip on the fish with its left foot but it struggled a little with the right one and during the process of grasping it with that foot I got a good look at those impressively large, sharp and deeply curved talons.
1/1600, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
The head of the fish was bony and tough so I had enough time to take several photos as it tried to take that first bite.
1/1600, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
There was a pesky gull hot on the tail of the eagle during the entire series of images which added to the confusion and excitement. I wish we could see the eagle’s eye through the flight feathers but that flash of the yellow bill will have to suffice.
1/1600, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
This gull and others were just plain nasty. They were noisy and aggressive, to the point that I actually saw gulls biting the tails of eagles in flight, twice!
I actually learned something new while preparing this post of images I hadn’t looked at carefully before. For almost eight years now I’ve always assumed that this eagle’s first bite took out the eye of the fish (and I’d made that claim on two previous posts). I’d read somewhere that they often eat the eye first and it looked to me like that was exactly what it was doing. But this time I decided to confirm it…
so I cropped in heavily on the previous image and lo and behold the eye was still there. The eagle had only bitten off the front of the head and left the eye behind. Yet another example of the perils of making assumptions!
I’m glad I made the effort to go back and review these images and post some of them that are new to my blog but there’s no question that many of the best shots in the 20+ photo series are those I’ve posted previously. If you’ve never seen them before it might be worth your time to click this link and check them out. They’re some of my favorites of all time.
Ron
breath Taking photos!
LOVELOVELOVE the curve of the primaries in the first shot. Wowweewowwowwow!!! This is such a spectacular group of shots — I’d be interested in seeing the entire series of this eagle/fish “pas de dinner” sometime. (I ask for so little… 😉 )
Thank you, Marty. All of the other shots that were any good can be seen in the link I provided in the last paragraph of my post. Any that I haven’t posted there or here really aren’t very good.
I was thinking of the possibility of combining that post and this one to see the whole series in one place (she says, timidly 😉 ).
Interesting shots Ron. I have never seen this before. Kind of sad it has to eat in mid air, but at least it had a catch to eat.
I’d never seen it before either, Jean. And haven’t since…
Sorry for all the typos…the text is so tiny on this evil one’s screen, I can’t catch them in time…
The first three images, with their incredible drama, detail and graceful wing positions, are almost overwewhelmingly beautiful!!! Any one of these would be winners in ANY competition!!! I don’t think it’s even possible to get more dramatic, more interesting, better shots…..I well-remember the first time you shared an eagle’s “mesl on wheels”…didn’t think then you (or anyone else) could possibly top it….would love to draw/paint one of these….haven’t been doing much of anything layely, but these are truly inspiring….Wow!!!! What a treasure it has bedn finding you and following your postings!!!
I’m glad you found my blog too, Patty. Wouldn’t be the same around here without you!
Shoot! The pantalones puff out for privacy too…I post to quick in error…lol
I love the instant “privacy room” those taloned ended shoulders give this guy!!! […and now I am hungry!…] Fantastic share today- I am grateful to you.
And I’m grateful to the eagle, Diane. Thanks.
Ahhh, I remember your previous post well!
These are some fantastic shots, but to be honest I really like that you captured the “pesky gull” coming in for possible leftovers. And, that the eagle decided it was better to fly to a spot where he/she could finish the fish off.
Many thanks for showing these again!
Thank you, Dick.
Wow on the gulls biting the tail…Never Grab A Tiger (or an eagle) By The Tail…
Yup, besides being obnoxious the gull was certainly brave (or foolish…).
The coordination required to eat a fish in flight, especially when being harassed by a Gull, is mind-boggling to me. I did see your earlier post, but it was good to see it again. It is neat that you were able to capture this series. (For what it’s worth, I no longer believe anyone who says “believe me”…)
You’re absolutely right, Susan. This eagle was a multitasking champ.
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
🙂
Now I’m speechless, breathless.
🙂
Wonderful photo’s Ron! 🙂 Certainly can see the difference in beak size from the Golden posted yesterday as well as the talon/foot difference – appears the Golden’s are a bit slimmer all around. The competition for food is certainly fierce. I’ve never seen one trying to eat on the fly – a challenge for sure!
It’s the only time I’ve seen a Bald Eagle actually eating in flight too, Judy. That’s part of the reason I like the images so much.
Absolutely incredible shots Ron! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Charlotte.
Just fabulous!!
Thanks, Sharon.
Great photos and informative commentary, as always.
Thank you, Robert.
Wow! Fantastic group. And the photos I viewed at the link were so inspiring! The light is particularly exquisite in these pictures and the dappled faded purple sky so appealing – something to strive for!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Joanne. Actually that background is the Wasatch Mountains, not sky.
Amazing. Here in FL the osprey annoy the eagles all the time.
Thanks, Barbara.
Ohhhh myyyyy gosh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
🙂
Haha! Great series, and thanks for the link to the previous post (I had not seen it!).
“thanks for the link to the previous post (I had not seen it!”
Thanks for letting me know, D. I figured there might be quite a few folks who’d never seen it but wasn’t sure.