Stellar's Sea Eagle

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

The HUGE Stellar’s Sea Eagle is mostly found in the Russian Far East and northern Japan.
It’s listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with fewer than 5,000 left in the wild.
It’s about a foot longer and taller than an adult Bald Eagle and as many as five pounds heavier, with a massive golden bill - a very beautiful eagle

A few have strayed into the northern US - I think I remember one in Maine a couple times over the last few years

Specific Feedback

comments and suggestions welcome

Technical Details

Sony A1
200-600 @ 324
Software: Adobe Photoshop 26.2 (Windows)
Date Taken: 2025-02-12 11:11:46
Exposure Time: 1/2500 sec
F Number: f/6.3
ISO Speed Ratings: ISO 1600
Exposure Program: Manual
Metering Mode: Multi-segment
Exposure Bias: 0 EV (zebras)


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Excellent detail and poses in both. I like the second one best, with the mountain in the back, the image has a sense of grandeur. Well done.

Excellent images of this eagle, Sandy. I like the pose of the second better, but it doesn’t have the eye pop of the first and that always makes a huge difference in raptor images.

Apart from the almost cartoon-like bill, I find the white on the wings really striking in this bird. You caught this beautifully in the second shot, which also has a great wild habitat in the BG. (We get a few of these visiting us every year in Korea, but I have yet to get close enough to one - one of my goals!).

Hi Sandy
Looks like this trip is turning into a photographic dream. Both shots have great detail and control of the whites.
Peter

Hi Sandy, nice captures of this magnificent bird. I prefer the second image for the topside view, the awesome background, and the angle of the bird moving towards us. Really great.

Thanks, these eagles are just magnificent. White - tailed eagles here too; a couple images coming soon.

Sandy

Do you have any interest in a Sony 400 f 2.8?. A very sweet lens that would pair well with your Sony telephoto. That you currently use . Yea yea not the new announced 400 to 800 but a lot more user friendly. Perfect condition with hard shell case. And real nice bokeh. Ma me an offer. David Schoen.

Hi David- thanks an excellent lens, but more then I can drag around. Thanks for the offer, though. I’m sure you can sell it easily for a good price on the Fred Miranda “buy and sell” forum.