Feathered Portraits

[kinetic]

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[mj702002]

Mark these are just amazing, each one gorgous in its own way. Love how you captured the look in each one and their eyes --in some they look to be watching you and in the others very intently watching something else.
Excellent series!!!!

[DoctorJazz]

Mark,
These are breathtaking portraits with such magnificent DOF and sharpness in the eyes, and beautifully composed.
You can see the eyes telling the story. Beautiful expressions in all of them.

[verikos]

Outstanding shots Mark! The detail and DOF are incredible. You can almost stroke the feathers. Where were these taken?

[kinetic]

Hi MJ thank you for taking a look and commenting on these shots.
The all have a very intense look about them, always alert and at the ready.
Yes they are keeping an eye on me and everything else around them
Thanks MJ
Mark

Hi Sandy and thank you for your comments on these ones, much appreciated.
I used the 300 mm f4 lens to give me what I wanted in these ones. The eyes of these magnificent birds are always just so alert watching all the time…always looking and listening to everything around them.
Thanks Sandy
Mark

Hello you…they are all very beautiful birds and it was a pleasure taking these shots as I have always been fascinated with birds of prey.
These were taken at a centre where the man who runs and owns the centre does an amazing job.
He has agreed to take me out to get shots of them in full flight; the backdrop will be like you have seen in my landscapes shots. To have the chance to get photos of a Golden Eagle in its home environment…for me will be a dream come true. As was holding this magnificent bird in my arm
Thanks Denise
Mark

[verikos]

"He has agreed to take me out to get shots of them in full flight; the backdrop will be like you have seen in my landscapes shots."

Wow........now that would be a series of spectacular photographs. I look forward to seeing them:)

[shirlm2]

Hi Mark These are stunning. They are so real they just jump out of the screen at me. What a wonderful opportunity to be able to photograph them in flight. Quite a challenge too but one you are well up to & I also look forward to seeing the results.

[kinetic]

Hi again Denise, yes that will be a real opportunity to combine both types of shots as one. The golden Eagle is the dream one for me, not many people get the chance to get shots of these eagles and especially in flight.
Thanks again
Mark

Hi Shirley and thank you for having a look and commenting on these shots.
Other than a slight crop at the top of two of them these are all completely unedited shots.
The opportunity to do these birds in hunting mode I think will be just amazing, the only one that has me more exited than any other is the Golden Eagle.
Thanks Shirley
Mark

[sandrac]

enjoyed the head shots Mark
the diff angles are great thanks for sharing

[pipedesign]

What else is there to say, just gorgeous shots - you should be proud of these.

The eyes truly capture the essence of a bird of prey ..............

[mingkywingky]

Stunning pictures Mark. I like them all. I really like the bird no2, she is so cute. Love the sharpness of the eyes, and the details on her nose.

[mdonahoe1]

Mark, These are truly spectacular! Can't wait to see them in flight!!

Marianne

[delboy]

There is nothing to add, others have said it all. What is the bird Mark, is an Eagle?

Regards

Delboy.

[kinetic]

Hi Sandra and thank you for your comments on these shots.
Glad you like them Sandra
Thanks Sandra
Mark

Hi John and just to say thank you for taking the time to view and comment on these shots, much appreciated.
Your are right about the eyes of the birds of prey, they are at the business end of these amazing birds, and its easy to see where the term “Eagle Eye or Hawk Eye” comes from…they have a very intimidating look about them…and with good reason.
Thanks John
Mark

Hi Tenny and thank you for your comments.
Yes they may look cute, but they are far from it…they all have amazing skills that work with deadly accuracy on the prey.
Thanks Tenny
Mark

Hi Marianne and thank you very much for your comments, as always very much appreciated.
I hope to do the flight shots before the year is out and it is something I am so looking forward to doing.
Thanks Marianne
Mark

Hi Delboy and thank you for your kind comments.
With regards to the bird’s species, they are from left to right.
Female Golden Eagle…her name is Orla
Male European Kestrel
Male American Red Tailed Hawk
Female European Kestrel
Again another shot of the American Red Tailed Hawk

Thanks Delboy
Mark