"Game on......"

"Come get some....if you think you're hard enough..."

Just back from a week in Norway with some great company (cheers Graham,Mat,Malcolm and Mike ).

My last winter trip there was somewhat bereft of Golden Eagles - this time around they were out in force, with not one WTE to be seen.

The character of these birds is completely different to that of White-tails - very aggressive - the King of Birds to be sure.

This particular bird is the most dominant in the area (surprising as he's still a young bird), and had sat on the food for nearly an hour from first light, his constant glances and raised hackles indicating the presence of at least two other individuals wanting a piece of what he possessed; but not daring to make a move.

Finally hunger drove one of them to make a challenge - just as I'd switched bodies from a D3S to a D300 for some tighter head shots - I count myself quite lucky to have got this as the challenger came in very quickly from behind the hide.

D300
200-400 f4
ISO 400
1/125th @ f7.1
Single sensor AF

PP LR3 and CS4

Perhaps not to everyone's taste, but thanks for looking...

Sorry does'nt work for me,composition is all wrong,lacks sharpness,and the prey looks what it is frozen bait.Also see you failed to acknowledge the real architect of this site 'Ole Martin Dahle' who over the years has established this bait site,giving paid guest's the chance to capture these birds as you've mentioned and descibed above.I feel the whole story should be disclosed and due credit given in these cases,fetching title also.

Hi Andy

I can see why some may not like it - but it works for me. The incoming OOF bird really adds to the drama I think the image is commercial and would go down well as part of a sequence in a presentation! Agree the bait is not ideal - what is it?

David

I like it, a lot! great stuff!

Whilst I think Craig raises some valid points, for me the sheer drama of this shot more than compensates.

David

Hi Andy

I like almost everything about it, a powerful image, well framed and executed. It's the stiffy fox that is the only drawback

Cheers

Andy

Hello Andy

Your timings not bad for an old git This is a belter I love the intense stare of the bird on the deck and it is amazing that you have caught the action as it is so bloody fast when they come in like this. As for the bait you would look like that if you spent five minutes on top of that mountain

Cracking shot B$%^***D

Danny

Keep looking at he bait which is distracting me from the overall image!!
Doesn't work for me I'm afraid!

Craig
www.craigchurchill.co.uk

Works for me Andy.

Having the OOF tail feather in the foreground only leads you to the other bird. Wings splayed out, ready to defend his quarry. Like the POV.

Steve

I really like the viewpoint, the stare and the OOF bird but the bait is just a touch too prominent imo. Perhaps a letterbox crop might put more focus onto those killer eyes or a slight blur on the fur of the bait to add a little softness might help?

As good as it gets .The comp leads you straight to the eye line of the bird .Great choice of techs .

great drama and composition to this, light does look a bit grim but almost seems to fit the mood of the image

Super shot Andy, great eye contact, and focussing! Like the title too, didn't no you were a darts fan mate!
Regards,
Paul.

Full of dynamism, full of tension...full of eagle. Different and the better for it.

Pete

Good action captured but I think some of your others are vastly superior to this. Sorry but this doesn't float my boat (as you would say)

No, not one of my favourites of yours but I know how difficult it is to capture these rare opportunities. I do, however, like the threatening expression on the Eagle's face.

Hi Andy well I've looked at it quite a few times and it does not work for me I think it is because the head does not appear sharp and the colour balance looks a little off for my taste and I find it distracting that the wings are clipped on the bird defending the carcass.


Phil.

Like the shot and action. Like the comp also but the prey!!!!! Looks like a stuffed Guinea Pig.

Rule number one. DEFROST THE PREY FIRST!!!!!!

Did you forget about our little fox incident?

Ed

Wasn't sure at first but came back to this Andy and back again, but I lack the vision and creativity that you have!! Now what was it you told me about aperture

Yeah this works for me too...my eye doesn't go to the fox but the action and drama unfolding...all in an instance!

Ian

Hi Andy, great action shot.

super shot, different and full of promise, not so keen on the bait but that is a minor point, the comp is great

Paul