The Mighty Harpy Eagle!

[Otavio]

Dear all, It's been a long time I am wishing to shoot a Harpy eagle and I had the opportunity during my last week travel. This is the world's mightiest eagle. It can fly through rain forest trees, grab a monkey of almost its own weight (8 to 10kg) and fly with it to its nest, for dinner! Its talons are huge and quite solid for such a task ( http://www.raven-armoury.co.uk/skullery/talons.htm). Well, I just love this animal!
Below are some of the pictures I got. Thanks for viewing. C&C welcome. Kindest regards...

#1



#2



#3



#4 - Grabbing a snack!



#5



#6 - The "I'm mad!" looking



#7



#8

[Bobobird]

That is an awesome looking bird.

The background is somewhat messy in most of them but nothing much we can do about that. You might want to consider making the eyes just a little bit brighter.

[Shadowman]

I like the intense gaze of the first shot and #s 6 and 7 are just wild. Nice ones.

[davidedric]

Well done Otavio! In my opinion, that is the world's number one eagle, and incredibly difficult to find never mind photograph. Don't know how you did it but great shots. Where were you?

[Otavio]

Hi Bobo. Thanks for viewing and your suggestion about the eyes will certainly be considered (its eyes are somewhat "recessed" and lacks light!). Kindest regards!!

[Otavio]

Hello, John. I appreciate your feedback! Thanks for viewing. Regards...

[kaneohebud]

Otavio: What a wonderful opportunity. A majestic bird indeed. Well done!

[Otavio]

Hi Dave. Thanks for your reply.

Originally posted by Dave:
In my opinion, that is the world's number one eagle, and incredibly difficult to find never mind photograph. Don't know how you did it but great shots. Where were you?

This couple was shot at Iguassu Falls (Foz do Iguaçu/South of Brazil). It's a bird park, located close to the Iguassu falls park entrance. This is one of the few places where they can raise them and procreate. There is a camera up in their nest, on a high tree, and a big LCD monitor in the ground, where you can monitor the eggs/babies. I had a chance, in a past visit, to watch some harpy babies!

Regards...

[Jack R Mann]

Well done!! #6 for me just says WHAT!

[Otavio]

A majestic bird indeed

Hi, Bud. Yes, this bird is really awesome! Thanks for viewing! Cheers...

[Otavio]

Thanks, Jack. Kindest regards.

[Aforns]

Impressive bird, like it a lot !!

[Otavio]

Thanks, Alfred, for viewing. It is really an impressive creature! Cheers!

[Panama Hat & Camera]

Otavio,
The harpies are powerful birds that have claws bigger than a grizzly.
The photos are good and show the look of a magnificent apex predator.
I would comment that the photos # 3 and # 6 would be better if the colors and contrast were enhanced and then a unsharp mask was used, but I noticed that you've made ​​it to photo # 6 on minicomp 1520 and the picture became very good.
Congratulations!
Antonio.

[Otavio]

Hi Antônio, and thanks for viewing/commenting. You are right. The version of #6, on Minicomp 1520 was retouched a little. Kindest regards!

[AB26]

A great series Otavio.
In #1&2 the greenery on the right hand side is a bit out of place. I would have tried to avoid it.

[jprzybyla]

Very majestic bird, great series Otavio.

[Otavio]

Hi, Andre. Thanks for viewing and commenting.

[Otavio]

Thanks, Joe! Your reply is much appreciated! Regards...