pair of wedgetails

[avkomp]

there was a pair of wedgetails on the ground in some longer grass, eating something smallish probably a rabbit. saw them at a distance and decided to try to close the gap to get into a decent position. easier said than done really but I closed the gap a decent amount but never did get the light where I wanted it. About halfway to these pix, they became aware of me (you reckon eagles have good vision) but kept feeding. the approach wasnt directly at them cos that is a sure way to spook wildlife. I was taking pix as I got closer cos I was sure they would go. eventually got to behind a small rise and almost got them in the clear. the vertical format shot is right when one looked right at me and a second later it was all over. the other one took another morsel and flew also.
d5 600f4 tc17 (1000mm) f8 iso 1600 first pic 1/1250 2nd pic 1/2000. first pic full frame cropped to portrait, 2nd pic about 80% frame. wishing for all the eagles to be visible but had to settle for these

[Grumpy John]

I could think of nothing more exciting than getting a decent image of a wedgie in the wild. You have done very well here Stephen, catching them in their natural environment.

[AlfandBen]

Nice captures, sharp and nice feather detail. 1000mm hand held (I'm assuming you weren't trying to sneak up carrying a tripod) is impressive.

Perhaps a slight lift to the shadows in #1 and levels adjustment in #2 to bring those details out a bit more?

[avkomp]

Can't recall if the tripod was used or not. No crawling involved thos time cos I was using dead ground.
I got some decent eagles on here a while back. Normally they fly at like 100m if they see you, but that day had them being harassed on a roo carcass and I moved every time a magpie attacked them or it was feeding. Eventually got to full frame range at 1000mm and with the light. Got dozens of action pix and in the open. Only bummer was wind in the face so when it had taken too much, it flew away from the camera. I posted them at the time. Maybe you could find with forum search if interested. Still my best wedgie pix. They tease me a few times since, when you going to town with no gear and is on the track out or tree or something. You can't get out of the car tho or they are off

[wigz]

Good shots with plenty of detail Stephen, even if the light wasn't right. I've only ever had one chance and didn't get anything any good. They are fearsome looking birds.

[Phill104]

What a great pair of shots and a stunning bird. Very nicely done.

[David_MC]

Stunning shots. Really like that first one.

[Isac]

Great work Stephen. I've seen the West Coast Eagles bird flying around our Optus Stadium but not close up like this. Such a powerful looking bird. TFS