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Standing Proud - to all TN Members


Standing Proud - to all TN Members
Photo Information
Copyright: James Parker (Jamesp) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1252 W: 0 N: 4842] (14380)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-06-01
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS 1Ds MkII, Canon 400mm 2.8 IS
Exposure: f/8, 1/500 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): CeltickRanger's favorite Eagle photos [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-06-05 8:07
Viewed: 612
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 58
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
I took this shot from a boat leaving Steveson Harbour (looking for Orcas). It was hand held using my 400mm 2.8 + 1.4x converter. I have dedicated this to all TN members for their recent support - thanks everyone :)

The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a bird of prey found in North America that is most recognizable as the national bird and symbol of the United States of America. This sea eagle has two known sub-species and forms a species pair with the White-tailed Eagle. Its range includes most of Canada and Alaska, all of the contiguous United States and northern Mexico. It is found near large bodies of open water with an abundant food supply and old-growth trees for nesting.

The Bald Eagle is a large bird, with a body length of 71–96 centimeters (28–38 in), a wingspan of 168–244 centimeters (66–88 in), and a mass of 3–6.3 kilograms (6.6–14 lb); females are about 25 percent larger than males. The adult Bald Eagle has a brown body with a white head and tail, and bright yellow irises, taloned feet, and a hooked beak; juveniles are completely brown except for the yellow feet. Males and females are identical in plumage coloration. Its diet consists mainly of fish, but it is an opportunistic feeder. It hunts fish by swooping down and snatching the fish out of the water with its talons. It is sexually mature at four years or five years of age. The Bald Eagle builds the largest nest of any North American bird, up to 4 meters (13 ft) deep, 2.5 meters (8 ft) wide, and one tonne (1.1 tons) in weight.

The species was on the brink of extirpation in the continental United States (while flourishing in much of Alaska and Canada) late in the 20th century, but now has a stable population and has been officially removed from the U.S. federal government's list of endangered species. The Bald Eagle was officially reclassified from "Endangered" to "Threatened" on July 12, 1995 by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. On July 6, 1999, a proposal was initiated "To Remove the Bald Eagle in the Lower 48 States From the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife." It was delisted on June 28, 2007.

The Bald Eagle prefers habitats near seacoasts, rivers, large lakes, and other large bodies of open water with an abundance of fish. Studies have shown a preference for bodies of water with a circumference greater than 11 km (7 miles), and lakes with an area greater than 10 km² (3.8 square miles) are optimal for breeding bald eagles.

The Bald Eagle requires old-growth and mature stands of coniferous or hardwood trees for perching, roosting, and nesting. Selected trees must have good visibility, an open structure, and proximity to prey, but the height or species of tree is not as important as an abundance of comparatively large trees surrounding the body of water. Forests used for nesting should have a canopy cover of less than 60 percent, and as low as 20 percent, and be in close proximity to water.

The Bald Eagle is extremely sensitive to human activity, and occurs most commonly in areas free of human disturbance. It chooses sites more than 1.2 km (0.75 miles) from low-density human disturbance and more than 1.8 km (1.2 miles) from medium- to high-density human disturbance.

The Bald Eagle's natural range covers most of North America, including most of Canada, all of the continental United States, and northern Mexico. It is the only Sea Eagle native to only North America. The bird itself is able to live in most of North America's varied habitats from the bayous of Louisiana to the Sonoran Desert and the eastern deciduous forests of Quebec and New England. Northern birds are migratory, while southern birds are resident, often remaining on their breeding territory all year. The Bald Eagle previously bred throughout much of its range but at its lowest population was largely restricted to Alaska, the Aleutian Islands, northern and eastern Canada, and Florida.

The Bald Eagle is a sacred bird in some North American cultures, and its feathers, like those of the Golden Eagle, are central to many religious and spiritual customs among Native Americans. Eagles are considered spiritual messengers between gods and humans by some cultures. Many pow wow dancers use the eagle claw as part of their regalia as well. Eagle feathers are often used in traditional ceremonies, particularly in the construction of regalia worn and as a part of fans, bustles and head dresses. The Lakota, for instance, give an eagle feather as a symbol of honor to person who achieves a task. In modern times, it may be given on an event such as a graduation from college. The Pawnee considered eagles as symbols of fertility because their nests are built high off the ground and because they fiercely protect their young. The Kwakwaka'wakw scattered eagle down to welcome important guests.

During the Sun Dance, which is practiced by many Plains Indian tribes, the eagle is represented in several ways. The eagle nest is represented by the fork of the lodge where the dance is held. A whistle made from the wing bone of an eagle is used during the course of the dance. Also during the dance, a medicine man may direct his fan, which is made of eagle feathers, to people who seek to be healed. The medicine man touches the fan to the center pole and then to the patient, in order to transmit power from the pole to the patient. The fan is then held up toward the sky, so that the eagle may carry the prayers for the sick to the Creator.

Current eagle feather law stipulates that only individuals of certifiable Native American ancestry enrolled in a federally recognized tribe are legally authorized to obtain Bald or Golden Eagle feathers for religious or spiritual use. The constitutionality of these laws has been questioned by Native American groups on the basis that it violates the First Amendment by affecting ability to practice their religion freely. Additionally, only members of federally recognized tribes are legally allowed to possess eagle feathers, preventing non-federally recognized tribe members from practicing religion freely. The laws have also been criticized on grounds of racial preferences and infringements on tribal sovereignty.
gannu, matatur, jaycee, Gert-Paassen, pekkavalo1, gerbilratz, eqshannon, boreocypriensis, Royaldevon, Luis52, rcrick, iris, SueThomson, uleko, Argus, ramthakur, rousettus, vanderschelden, CeltickRanger, marhowie has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  •      
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 923 W: 4 N: 2310] (10776)
  • [2008-06-05 9:05]

Hello James, What a shot and superbly positioned. This is lovely view. Sharp and excellent picture. Ganesh smiley tmrw

A superb capture of a proud bird in its prime James, the light blue BG compliments the sharply delineated plumage details of this Bald Eagle nicely. One wonders why such a fine looking bird specimen is named as a "Bald" bird, surely its head is magnificently covered with white feathers... By the way, thanks for the dedication my friend!
Mehmet

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1786 W: 8 N: 4638] (14987)
  • [2008-06-05 9:45]

Hi James,

How wonderful to be your neighbor for the day!!! The only time I was lucky enough to see Eagles was in Alaska. The first one was while getting on a boat in Juneau and the pose was just like this. Thanks for the memory. Beautiful shot showing off his marvelous profile and eye and beautiful feathers. Superb details and excellent colors.

Jane

  • Great 
  • demeve Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 514 W: 8 N: 1099] (4072)
  • [2008-06-05 10:13]

Hello James,
Very nice eagle, I don't have much time today so I would
like to congratulate you for this beautiful capture for now
... Well done

Everton

Hello James,
This one really rocks, right on the top. Much appreciate the glance in the eye.
Subhayan.

Hello James,


what a suburp picture, everything is good.
Well done!

Gert

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1210 W: 68 N: 2509] (8277)
  • [2008-06-05 11:27]

Hello James,
Thanks for this wonderful photo of one of my favourites. Excellent sharpness, details and pose. Very beautiful natural colours. Great blue BG.
Regards,
Peter

Hi James,

Eagles are always magnificant, very good composition, sharpness of details and great colours.

TFS

Pekka

Hi james, good eagle, great detail to the feathers, colours and texture are both excellent. Good timing to get the bird in that pose as well. fine work, regards h

Your welcome..and your also welcome here at this home...I would enjoy showing you the Palosue James...so next time you are by! I cannot guarantee an eagle...but some sort of boteo...These images are always classic...very nicely done..I have one..but not on computer any longer...only in 11x14 print on the wall..
bob

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1991 W: 5 N: 5557] (20998)
  • [2008-06-05 12:33]

Hi James. A 400 with a 1.4 as well and from a boat. fantastic you must have a very steady hand. Great deatil and colour in the beautiful looking bird. This one picture alone would make your trip worth going on. well done James TFS.
Nick..

Hi James,
Superb capture of this bald eagle with its lovely posture. Perfect shot! Also thanks for your dedication. You are very very kind man as usual. TFS.
Cheers,

Bayram

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1692 W: 242 N: 5589] (19849)
  • [2008-06-05 13:52]

Exceptional capture, James!
I've only ever seen these in zoos so to spot one in the wild must be really impressive!
Very sharp and crisp.
Excellent light.

Well done!

Joe

Hello James,

What a superb shot!
The eagle has the most proud and superior pose!
The details of his head and plummage are very well shown.
Good off-centre composition!

kind regards,
Bev :-)

  • Great 
  • Luis52 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1022 W: 5 N: 2802] (10144)
  • [2008-06-05 15:52]

Hola James.
Great image taken with You long long lens. It works very well. Great image My friend.
and dont forget.
"Life is like a mirror, If You smile to it, it will smile to You too."
Luis Leal.

  • Great 
  • rcrick Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 627 W: 42 N: 1153] (3730)
  • [2008-06-05 20:02]

James,

All I can say is superb, spectacular, awesome shot, hand held 400mm 2.8 + 1.4x converter, just so dam good mate :0)

Cheers Rick....

This is a nice perch you caught the eagle on.The head position is very good, and your details on feathers is excellent.
You could have done a bit of colour enhancement on the beak to increase the yellow/orange in my opinion.I do that sometimes when the lighting is not in my favour.

Thanks for the dedication.
An eagle is always a good symbol.
You must have been in my area recently.
If still around, I could suggest some great locations.

Hi James
Great Shot! Lovely detail in the feathers and awesome eye. Well done and TFS.
Cheers
Sue

  • Great 
  • iris Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 392 W: 41 N: 735] (2314)
  • [2008-06-06 0:38]

Hi James,
Superb capture of this Bald Eagle.Handheld and that too from a boat and not a trace of focus issue..this is as sharp as it can get and you have done great with the light falling on your subject..The exposure of the white is quite fine and i like the way you didnt crop too much and keep the perch at that level and with the sky as BG.The plumage looks so wonderful like a velevet curtain..Very well done.

And James, you do not have to thank ...'coz this support comes naturally when one has friends who care....hope you are enjoying your holidays:)

Cheers

  • Great 
  • pvs Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1148 W: 254 N: 2555] (11565)
  • [2008-06-06 0:41]

Hi James,

Great camerawork,good sharpnessand POV,this with a big and heavy lens from an alway moving platform (boat),well done and tfs

Paul

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2466 W: 168 N: 7458] (23564)
  • [2008-06-06 1:48]

Hello James,
Thank you for this superb capture of the Bald Eagle that you captured from a very nice POV showing the beautiful shiny plumage on its back and the turned head with great focus on the eye. I like its perch and the blue sky as a background. Very well done!
TFS and best wishes, Ulla

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2611 W: 133 N: 7494] (23373)
  • [2008-06-06 2:10]

Hello James,
A beautiful portrait of a Bald Eagle, the POV and pose complimenting each other well to give a fine view with excellent sharpness and detail.
A superb image much appreciated by us all on TN, I'm sure.
Ivan

I think most of us dream of shooting a Bald Eagle, James, and you have done it for all of us while you are in Canada.
The pose is, no doubt, regal and the picture extremely sharp and colourful against a bright blue sky.
Thanks for sharing this great image.
Ram

Well photographed, James.
Good moment. Proud bird indeed.
Nice to view your British Columbia work...
TFS
Annick

Thank you from all of us!
Perfect shot...great lighting and such a regal posture. Just gorgeous!!

hello James

superb shot i can say « of the KING of all the birds »,
with very fine POV and vertical framing, excellent luminosity
of the image, great sharpness and details of the Bald Eagle
and the dead branche tree, TFS alot

Asbed

Excellent work James,
This tall frame is filled with pride :)
Superb job handheld & from a boat, great technique to pull if off so well.
Howard

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2008-06-09 8:27]

Hello James

Well captured on a beautiful perch.
The pose is excellent.
Very good plumage detail with lovely natural colours.
The POV and DOF are terrific.
Great job.
TFS

Rob

Hi James,
Good to see you back. I do hope that the support we gave you helped. The dedication to us from you is a stunner and much appreciated.
The details and the pose are awesome, and the clean look of the entire composition is a pleasure to look at.
TFS,
Niek

Well, there is a lot of muttering going on around here this morning! Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest is a favorite subject of ours. You come from halfway around the world and get such a super shot. Grrrrrrrrrr...
and hand held, from a boat... yadda, yadda , yadda. **sigh** : )

We are planning on going up to that SW part of Vancouver this fall and maybe next spring too. It really isn't that far from N. Oregon.

TFS
Evelynn : )

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