C&C if you like, but just wanted to share

BigknockHawk · Jan 1, 2012

There have been upwards of 30 bald eagles hanging around a pond near the Des Moines river on the northwest side of the suburbs of Des Moines, IA. My wife and I saw them on Christmas day while driving to my parent's home, but couldn't stop to watch and take pictures. Well, I got out there on New Year's Eve and got some really great shots. Enjoy!

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There are more if you would like to see them. Just go to the Web Shots album at Webshots, the best outdoor photos!

Thanks for looking, and if you choose to C&C, I appreciate the feedback!

edit:

I used my Canon T1i with the Canon 100-400mm L USM lens on a Vanguard Tracker series tripod with the SBH-100 swiveling ball head. Makes it much easier to track the flight of the birds.

bazooka · Jan 1, 2012

#2 is a nice grab. I wish we had some eagles around here. I saw one the other day driving to my parent's house in OK. I didn't have the opportunity to shoot at it though.

oldmacman · Jan 1, 2012

Love 6 and 9... just a really nice wing position that allows for details in the bird. Too bad it was so grey for you. I've tried catching some eagles in areas known to have them and never gotten this close. Jealous.

Frequency · Jan 1, 2012

Lovely series

SCraig · Jan 1, 2012

Good shots. I love the action in them.

Word of advice: When shooting against the sky or water, especially if there is a good big showing, your meter is going to cause an underexposure unless you use spot metering. This is especially visible underneath wings. I generally don't like spot metering, it can be too sensitive much of the time, but it is very good for instances such as this.