Martial Eagle 'calling'

Gallery: AvianPosted April 4, 2017163 views9 comments

Another frame from the encounter I had with this 'bathing' Martial eagle, one of Africa's largest raptors if not, the largest.

Thanks to those who posted on viewed the previous frame

Steve

Subject: Martial eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) walking through the pan
Location: Botswana
Camera: Canon 1DX MKII
Lens: 500f/4 MKII with 2x MKIII HH
Exposure: 1/3200s at f/11 ISO1600
Original format: Landscape, very slight crop for presentation
Processed via: LRCC & PSCC2017

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on April 4, 2017 at 10:26 AM

Very nice calling pose. Wonder what it is standing on in the water. I think it would be a bit stronger with the exposure brought down a bit.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Kaluski on April 4, 2017 at 10:35 AM

Thanks Keith, it was bathing in this small pan. We had almost 20 minutes with the eagle, but taken towards mid morning so the light was less than ideal for the whites, but the whole seen was in very bright conditions so I felt I wanted to retain that. It's not often chances like this come along so a nice encounter. The only issue was trying to micro adjust the AF, not ideal out in the field, all sorted but never great. The ranger and I thought he was calling to the female some 200m away in the trees.

Registered on March 25, 2007, 189 Posts, 1064 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on April 4, 2017 at 3:34 PM

A really nice capture of this stunning eagle Steve. I saw one last year from a great distance, but getting this perspective with a call is unusual. Good detail and nice reflection, this is well presented considering your description of the conditions. devil

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on April 4, 2017 at 3:34 PM

I love the open beak, Steve. Great pose and a well taken and processed image.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on April 4, 2017 at 5:05 PM

Very nice sharpness and detail on the bird, and very nice surroundings.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by David Bogener on April 4, 2017 at 6:37 PM

Great calling pose and I like that you included the reflection. Tough light.

Registered on October 30, 2013, 417 Posts, 1255 Comments

Comment posted by Jenaya Launstein on April 4, 2017 at 6:46 PM

He's giving you quite the pose, and you captured it nicely! I do agree with Keith, however, that it would benefit from bringing down the exposure a bit.

Registered on February 8, 2011, 254 Posts, 1302 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Williams on April 5, 2017 at 12:49 AM

This looks great to me Stephen. A bit bright but all of the detail is still there. Great pose and interesting reflection.

Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Kaluski on April 5, 2017 at 2:30 AM

Many thanks folks, much appreciated.

Registered on March 25, 2007, 189 Posts, 1064 Comments