Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Forums · Bird Photography

Bald eagle midair catch

Discussion

19 replies
Posted by Ron Bielefeld on October 18, 2009 at 3:26 PM
Bald eagle midair catch
I always enjoy being out in the field, but this morning was special. I got to witness a bald eagle catch a fish in midair after it was dropped by an osprey it was harrasing. It was just spectacular to witness it unfold through my 500mm. I was able to capture the entire action sequence (a series of 6 shots). Please note, this occured a long way a way, so the images are not the best, but the flying ability of these birds never ceases to amaze me. It was incredible how much airspace the eagle was able to cover is just a few seconds. So here is the first image followed by two more.

Image one is just after the osprey dropped the fish and the eagle started its dive. The eagle on its back with its head turned almost 360 degrees. Never ceased to amaze me!
Posted by Ron Bielefeld on October 18, 2009 at 3:27 PM
Here the eagle pulls out of its dive
Posted by Ron Bielefeld on October 18, 2009 at 3:28 PM
And the last image in the series. The eagle catches the fish just before it and fish hit the trees.
Posted by Mia McPherson on October 18, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Holy smoke Ron!

That is some incredibly awesome action. I am thrilled you were able to record it and share with us!

Posted by Paul Breitkreuz on October 18, 2009 at 3:32 PM
A great sequence Ron, thanks for sharing this uniquely captured event. :cool:
Posted by Ron Dudley on October 18, 2009 at 3:52 PM
Shazam! An incredible sequence Ron. I'm especially delighted to see the flight contortions in the first image.
Posted by Jim DeWitt on October 18, 2009 at 4:49 PM
Fly fishing indeed. Outstanding, Ron.
Posted by Richard Ditch on October 18, 2009 at 7:15 PM
Awesome!
Posted by Drew Fulton on October 18, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Great capture Ron!
Posted by Keith Bauer on October 18, 2009 at 10:35 PM
Wow!! That is an incredible series. That first shot is incredible with the position of the eagle. Thank you for sharing this incredible series.
Posted by Greg Cope on October 18, 2009 at 11:56 PM
What an incredible scene to witness. Glad you had your camera on hand, and thanks for sharing
Posted by Avi Hirschfield on October 19, 2009 at 3:11 AM
And we THINK we rule the world :eek: :eek: :eek:
Posted by SandyRichardsBrown on October 20, 2009 at 2:26 AM
Wow, incredible! Excellent capture!!!!!!!!!!

Sandy r :toast:
Posted by Nate Chappell on October 20, 2009 at 8:19 AM
Very cool Ron! :toast:
Posted by Dennis Plank on October 20, 2009 at 9:44 AM
Fantastic action, Ron. Well caught. :toast:
Posted by Barry Southon on October 22, 2009 at 5:04 AM
Ron

Superbly captured sequence of shots.
:wink:
Posted by mark on November 3, 2009 at 3:45 PM
awsome shots rob. thanks for your help. hope to see you again out there.
Posted by Mark Perry on January 8, 2010 at 11:11 PM
Great job!
Posted by Ed Dubois on January 9, 2010 at 1:47 AM
Remarkable Ron. We get a lot of eagles around here but rarely get to see a display like this. Great that you were able to capture this. Glad you posted the series.
Posted by Pete D on March 17, 2010 at 8:48 PM
Now, THAT'S flying! This is a truly amazing action series regardless of quality due to cropping, etc. Sometime soon I'm going to go look for our local eagles. There are only a few, but they seem to be sighted in the same general area frequently.

Pete D.