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bcurrie
Sunday 2nd February 2003, 23:21
(Hint, start opening this as you read since it is a larger file - I just time it, it takes 1 and a half minutes on a 28.8 connection, so not too bad.)

I was waiting for the gallery to get up and running, but since they are still working out the bugs, I will go ahead and post here. This was taken on January 17 at a place called Willard Bay, about 45 minutes north of me. I had already taken some eagle shots of birds further away, and I was on my way out when I noticed a car looking at something (being we were the only two cars around, I figured it was something good). I looked through my binocs and sure enough I could see just the middle body of this magnificent bird. Using my car as a blind (often do), I inched to where I was right underneath him. I was on the side of the car where he could not fully see me, so I crept out of the car, keeping out of his view. I took several shots, and noticed he was not particularly concerned about me. So I moved just a little forward of the car to gain a better vantage point. Unfortunately, you will see that the camera focused on the twig right in front of him (and there is a shadow on his face), but I dare not move fully out in view (for a clean shot) for at this point I was able to see he was slightly disturbed by me (I did leave him exactly as I found him without further disturbance). I am still pleased with this. Here are the results. I used a Canon Pro90IS with B-300 and TCON14 attached. I was about 30 feet (9.14 meters) away from subject. I am sorry for the time to download a larger file, but I really wanted you to catch my feeling as I was there, and to take a look at those talons (I wouldn't be afraid of me either with those!). This is actual size, no photo enlargement.
http://www.pbase.com/image/11969812/original.jpg

When the gallery is up, I will post one that I like even more there.

Thanks for looking. Comments always welcomed.

Gaye Horn
Monday 3rd February 2003, 06:24
Gee Brian that is a pretty nice little photo you got there with that wimpy gear ya got!!!lol... No kidding that is really exciting to see. Great to hear that you got what you wanted (sorta) and the eagle got to continue.. what a look he has. They are magnificent...
Took no time at all BTW~
I knew it was going to be good, you did not disappoint.

IanF
Monday 3rd February 2003, 06:30
Magnificent shot Brian, superb results with the new combo. The colour range and detail obtained is amazing.

Marysan
Monday 3rd February 2003, 06:37
It's a really great shot, Brian, thanks!

paula
Monday 3rd February 2003, 23:35
What a magnificent bird and an opportunity well used to get a good shot of him.

Ashley beolens
Monday 3rd February 2003, 23:36
very Majestic, lovely shot.

Andrew
Monday 3rd February 2003, 23:47
I loved that picture Brian, great ruffled bird!

bcurrie
Tuesday 4th February 2003, 03:33
Thank you all for your comments. These birds are just amazing to me. This was the closest I had ever been to a wild one. I'm glad they are our national bird. Turkeys are nice, but for me do not compare to the eagle.

Cindy M
Tuesday 4th February 2003, 04:05
I've been looking for this thread Brian, to follow up on your pbase message- I'd say your lenses are doing quite well together. What always grabs me with these powerful birds are their eyes.. they don't miss a thing. Wonderful image.

galvan
Tuesday 4th March 2003, 18:25
Great shot. A very healthy looking baldy.

Tammie
Tuesday 4th March 2003, 18:52
Wow, now that is a stunning photo.... well done!!

Beverlybaynes
Tuesday 4th March 2003, 22:36
Holy raptors, CurrieMan!!

What a stunning photo! And there's a better one to come?

I love seeing the feet -- almost looks as if they're poking out of a skirt of feathers. And perhaps a little toe-tapping going on.

Whew!

bcurrie
Wednesday 5th March 2003, 03:58
Thank you Cindy, Galvan, Tammie, and Beverly. Yep, it is already in the gallery. And there are more to come. I still have quite a few to go through from the last couple of weeks. I will post them in the Gallery to save Steve's bandwidth space, but I will make a post under this raptors forum to let you know I have done so.

mymantra
Wednesday 5th March 2003, 05:32
Just Beautiful !

Screech
Wednesday 5th March 2003, 06:15
Brian,
WOW, I'd say your new "setup" has proved it's worth!

Awesome shot! .....Kudos

bcurrie
Thursday 6th March 2003, 04:07
Thank you Paul and Bob. Yes, the new set-up is paying off, and I am considering experimenting with more. We'll see.

jayhunter
Thursday 6th March 2003, 06:25
Brilliant shot, looks a really mean machine. I agree with you Curryman I would much rather soar like an eagle than a turkey!

bcurrie
Monday 10th March 2003, 01:58
Thanks for commenting jayhunter. Yes, they are a force to be reckoned with.