Bald Eagle and Crow Showdown

Image Critiques
1

Eagle and Crow NPN.jpg
Eagle and Crow NPN.jpg2500×1665 2.3 MB

Critique Style Requested: In-depth

The photographer has shared comprehensive information about their intent and creative vision for this image. Please examine the details and offer feedback on how they can most effectively realize their vision.

Self Critique

I liked the interaction between the birds. The fact that the bald eagle has a wide open mouth tells the viewer there was some dialogue going on.

Creative direction

I wanted to capture more than just an eagle perched on a dead tree waiting for a fish to grab out of the river below. I guess the emotion is conflict between a crow and an eagle that could easily eat him.

Specific Feedback

Does the composition work ?

I know I could have made this a vertical with just the birds but I think the green vine on the dead tree on the right balances with the dead tree branches on the left.

Technical Details

Nikon Z8 with a 180-600 at 600mm. 1/4000, F6.3 and ISO 360

Description

The bald eagle was watching the river below for a fish to grab or perhaps to chase an osprey with a fish it just grabbed. While watching the eagle, the crow landed and they started a loud dialogue. The eagle eventually flew away.

2

The crows do love to harass raptors, Andrew, so this is a great example of that. To me, it seems to help that it’s a juvenile Bald Eagle, though the crow wouldn’t really care. I like the pose of the eagle with the open beak and its attention obviously on the crow. It would have been neat if they were closer together, but you can’t control that.

3

Hi Andrew, interesting behavioral image. I like the juxtaposition of the crow on that tall spindly branch versus the position of the eagle.

4

Thanks for the reviews