I was on my way to my grandparents two days ago and had the K20D with me, a camera I am not familiar with, as well as the Sigma 70 - 300, when I had one of the most wonderful bird encounters. I was so excited I could not remember how to change the ISO on the K20D and even though I had the tripod I forgot to use it ...so these are hand held. My images could definitely have been much better. I am such a novice!

But, I am still so happy and honoured to have met up with this magnificent Bald Eagle. Thanks for letting me share this experience with you!


all full reach @ 300mm and 0 ev


f/16 1/1000







f/22 1/180








f/11 1/750








f/16 1/500

[charliezap]

A very excellent striking capture Tess.Well done.--charliezap

[civano]

Beautiful pictures!

[snappychappy]

Beautiful set of images and a magnificent bird, all nice and sharp, but they would be at those apertures, very well taken.

[canajuneh]

Great shots - thanks for sharing.

[loco]

Oh Tess!! These are awe-inspiring! I have long wished for this kind of encounter but have yet to see one in the wild. You are so lucky and thanks so much for sharing these with us!!! By the way, I think this are really wonderful shots. You got him in some great poses!

[slowpez]

Tess, these are so beautiful and sharp. I just love everything about them. Well done girl.

[dcmsox2004]

fine captures of 'our' national bird... what a striking creature.... dave m

[reala]

A great set of shots! I like how in the 3rd shot he's looking right at you,

[Sailor]

Wow, Tess, you nailed this character beautifully. You've gotta be mighty proud of this series.

Jer

[KevinR]

Great images. Love the contrast of bird and sky color, and high ISO hasn't really affected the results of 2-4. Slightly noticeable in 1, but still a great image.

Very co-operative eagle you had there. The first image is usually the first and last of the bird I see before being able to get off a few shots... unless very lucky or in a hide.

[tessfully]

A very excellent striking capture Tess.Well done.--charliezap

thank you so much Charlie!

Beautiful pictures!

thank you for having a look and for your kind comment!!

Beautiful set of images and a magnificent bird, all nice and sharp, but they would be at those apertures, very well taken.

thanks snappychappy... I did take a few at f/8 but for some reason the noise is worse in those... I was surprised to see my favourite at f/22!

Great shots - thanks for sharing.

thank you for looking canajuneh! Your comment means a lot!

Oh Tess!! These are awe-inspiring! I have long wished for this kind of encounter but have yet to see one in the wild. You are so lucky and thanks so much for sharing these with us!!! By the way, I think this are really wonderful shots. You got him in some great poses!

Lori, yes yes yes! that is just how I feel... so very lucky!

Tess, these are so beautiful and sharp. I just love everything about them. Well done girl.

Thank you Susan... your comments are very appreciated!!

fine captures of 'our' national bird... what a striking creature.... dave m

thank you Dave!

A great set of shots! I like how in the 3rd shot he's looking right at you,

I have another shot of this guy looking at me...it turned out a bit fuzzy so didn't include it ... the look is priceless though so I think I will add it in... thank you for your wonderful comments!

Wow, Tess, you nailed this character beautifully. You've gotta be mighty proud of this series.

Jer

Jer, I am... I couldn't wait to get home to see how they turned out, all the while stressing about the ISO...

Great images. Love the contrast of bird and sky color, and high ISO hasn't really affected the results of 2-4. Slightly noticeable in 1, but still a great image.

Very co-operative eagle you had there. The first image is usually the first and last of the bird I see before being able to get off a few shots... unless very lucky or in a hide.

Thank you Kevin... he stayed in that tree giving me the eye for at least 20 minutes before he took off... I tried to get him in flight but flubbed the shot...

Here he is taking off




here he is giving me the eye




this is at f/8 and before I tuned into the fact I could get closer to him, change my perspective and eliminate the wire

[Bob Harris]

Beautiful images Tess and from an unfamiliar camera. I can't wait until you learn all of the features. What a privilege to see in person like this.

[bluestringer]

Excellent images. Beautiful. I may have to get one of those Sigma 70-300's. I can't shoot against the sky like that with my Quantaray 70-300 ( Tamron?) because of the purple fringing. And I don't think mine is as sharp as the Sigma.

[loco]

Whoa I adore that look on that one shot, Tess!! He really is checking you out! LOL