3 DAYS IN A WINTERLY HIDE WITH EAGLES & GOSHAWK

Golden Eagle. A heavy snow shower is a blessing for any photographer

Nikon D5, Nikkor 600 4,0, f/4,0, 1/1600, ISO 5000

My friend Leiv Arne Åkset runs a commercial photo-hide up in Marnardal in southern Norway. His place is well known for amazing sparrow-hawk photography in the autumn and as well as for winterly action with golden eagles and goshawk. I spent 3 days in his hide in mid February and tried to time it with white winter and snowy weather. One interesting option in his (comfortable) hide is the low camera openings from floor level. This can, if coordinated with vegetation and the level of snow on the outside and as well combined with big aperture / little depth of field in camera, provide nicely blurred foregrounds and soft backgrounds with few disturbing elements.

All pics are shot February 15-17 2021. Hope you like them.

Golden Eagle chasing away annoying magpies

Nikon D5, Nikkor 600 4,0, f/4,0, 1/1600, ISO 5600

A beautifully coloured Golden Eagle displaying "Main Tools" : beak & claws !

Nikon D5, Nikkor 600 4,0 + 1,4 conv = 850 mm, f/5,6, 1/320, ISO 3600

Golden Eagle 

Nikon D5, Nikkor 600 4,0, f/4,0, 1/1250, ISO 2000

Golden Eagle

Nikon D5, Nikkor 600 4,0, f/5,6, 1/400, ISO 3200

Closeup on Golden Eagle

Nikon D5, Nikkor 600 4,0 + 1,4 conv. = 850 mm, f/5,6, 1/400, ISO 5000

Golden Eagle

Nikon D5, Nikkor 600 4,0, f/5,6, 1/400, ISO 5600

A young Golden Eagle in flight

Nikon D5, Nikkor 600 4,0, f/4,0, 1/1600, ISO 4000

Goshawk

Nikon D5, Nikkor 600 4,0 + 1,4 conv. = 850 mm, f/6,3, 1/500, ISO 1800

Goshawk on "The Magic Perch"

Nikon D5, Nikkor 600 4,0, f/4,0, 1/400, ISO 2200

                                                                      Goshawk

                                 Nikon D5, Nikkor 400 2,8, f/4,5, 1/1000, ISO 1250

 

Portrait of feeding Goshawk

Nikon D5, Nikkor 600 4,0 + 1,4 conv. = 850 mm, f/6,3, 1/500, ISO 2200

Goshawk pulling the carcasse apart !

Nikon D5, Nikkor 600 4,0 + 1,4 conv. = 850 mm, f/6,3, 1/500, ISO 1250

Have you ever seen a Goshawk from underneath ? Check that beautiful pyjamas pattern on the lower side !

Nikon D5, Nikkor 600 4,0, f/5,6, 1/640, ISO 1100

Goshawk in late afternoon "Blue Hour" !

Nikon D5, Nikkor 400 2,8, f/2,8, 1/50, ISO 2200

Common Jay on "The Magic Perch"

Nikon D5, Nikkor 600 4,0, f/4,0, 1/640, ISO 3600

Magpie on "The Magic Perch". The low angle with the blurred snow up front and biggest aperture with little depth of field gives a soft, faded impression ...                                                                                                                      .... and the motive is perfectly matching The Golden Ratio principals ! (Det Gyldne Snitt)

                                        Nikon D5, Nikkor 600 4,0, f/4,0, 1/640, ISO 2200

 A contemplative Magpie on "The Magic Perch"

Nikon D5, Nikkor 600, f/4,0, 1/500, ISO 4000