Okay, I’ll try and keep the text short for this post and just show you the photos I took while Robyn, myself and her mum went over to Brackendale (which is in Squamish, BC).
Eagles came and went on this little sand bar around the bend of the river. A few people came out to take a look at was going on. A couple guys had their big lens cameras out (yes I felt inadequate with my 70-200mm).
We hung out for about an hour and I just sat on a rock near the river’s edge snapping as many photos as I could. My close up shots of these eagles are heavily cropped. Going from RAW to JPG the quality seemed to have taken a nose-dive as well. They look much sharper, more detailed in Adobe Lightroom.
Again, the sharpness dropped when converting from RAW to JPEG. I guess I still have to tweak settings on export eh? Anyone have any advice on that?
Overall it is pretty cool experience seeing so many eagles in one spot. When you looked up and down the river, dozen more eagles were spotted throughout the trees and shoreline. If you have a great telephoto lens and some time, I HIGHLY recommend heading up to Brackendale and photographing my favourite birds. I also recommend bringing binoculars to watch these magnificent creatures up close.
How I would love to have either a 100-400mm, a 400mm, or a 500mm lens to go back and take more photos! One day!
chrisDec 19, 2009 at 16:56:59
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Eagles are amazing creatures.
There is (at least one) eagle around here, that every once in a while I see playing with a couple of ravens. Always in the same spot and at the same times of the year.
KimmDec 19, 2009 at 18:36:36
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amazing
Damien RileyDec 19, 2009 at 23:02:54
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Those grasping talons are so clear and up close. Really great photos.
ColeDec 20, 2009 at 04:42:15
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No need to feel inadequate with the 70 – 200 with pictures like these! Solid stuff! This seems like the kind of place where if there were fish running in the streams you could get a cool one of an eagle with a fish! Tough call on the JPEG / RAW argument there – I don’t really have an answer other then keep doing what you’re doing because these pictures are rad!
AprilDec 20, 2009 at 09:28:38
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We had a great day, Tyler
It was fascinating watching the eagles congregate at the river’s edge.
Tourism SquamishDec 21, 2009 at 11:34:15
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No need for camera envy – pics look great! Lots of tour option available to see the Brackendale Eagles – horseback riding, river floats, and more – see http://www.tourismsquamish.com/features/eagle-viewing-tour-packages for more information.
gusgreeperDec 21, 2009 at 13:09:58
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amazing photos.
VancityAllieDec 22, 2009 at 15:57:05
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As usual Tyler, these are stunning photos. Eagles are so hard to capture… I’m constantly surprised with how quick you are with the lens!
slifJan 07, 2010 at 22:53:49
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Great shots! I’m shocked to see a harbour seal this far up river! What time of day were you there? I’ve gone up 2x (early Dec, and just yesterday) around 12 PM and there weren’t any birds by the river. About 1~2 up in the trees though… and lots of gulls.
Tyler January 8th, 2010 at 07:13:19[Link]
According to the EXIF on the photos they were taken around Noon on the 19th of Dec.