In the last post, I described how my trip to Kuusamo started. We join the action when an eagle had finally decided to show up.
So, as I said, I heard a loud thump to my right, and I knew what it was. A Golden Eagle (Maakotka), most likely the male of the local pair. The organizer had told me which tree the eagle typically lands on, so I checked my settings, pointed my camera and pre-focused. A few seconds later, I saw the eagle take off in the corner of my eye.
Booyah!
Too much processing? Dunno, i'm trying something new :)
Yes, yes, so much yes.
I was ecstatic. Not only was it the first time I've seen a Golden Eagle, It was 25 meters from me, didn't know I was there, and was eyeing the food below. I can't remember when I've been that excited, ever.
Yes, yes, get on with it.
The eagle spent a few minutes in the tree, looking down at the food and around the area. Was it going to come down? I did have the fox out in the middle of the opening, in great light. Please, please, please...
One fox, ready for consumption.
Then, the eagle (I'll just call him Bob), rose up and took off. I had practiced the move I needed to do to capture the landing on the fox, so I was ready. Shutter button down as hard as I could, and GO!
Heads up below, Bob incoming!
GodDAMNIT Bob!
As you can see, Bob decided not to go for the fox. Apparently, a month-old pig carcass is much tastier than fresh (-ish) fox. Damnit Bob, you had one job.
What do we have here.. Old pig? My favorite!
What? Pig IS better!
So, I re-pointed the camera on Bob. When taking pictures of eagles, it's quite important not to take photos immediately after they land (the landing is OK, but stop immediately after). That's when they are at their most skittish, and they'll notice the smallest movement or sound. So, I let Bob have his snack for a while, and started snapping after a few minutes. He was quite content on eating the pig for 5 minutes or so. Then he decided to move. Behind a tree.
It's not funny, Bob!
So, Bob had me in a bind. Wait for him to move (unlikely, at least for a few minutes), or try another vantage point. There were five spots for lenses in the blind, and I had another lens almost at the ready. I decided to move.
I was very careful when standing up and detaching my camera body. The lens was on a tripod head and didn't move. Bob was happy munching away. I got to the other lens, and attached my camera. Damnit, I had to get the lens out through a cloth pouch. OK, easy does it.. I started undoing the straps, sticking out the lens, tightening the snare, and focused on where Bob was. Nothing. I quickly scanned a few meters around. Nothing. I stood up and looked through the window. Nothing. Well, shit.
While fumbling with the second lens, I had made too many visible movements, and Bob had left. I didn't even see him leave. I uttered the ancient Finnish course 'Perkele!' and sat down. I waited. And I waited. Bob wasn't coming back. As I still had a few hours of daylight left, I decided to stay until the last possible moment to see if Bob came back. The smaller birds came back, one after the other, but Bob was gone. I cursed myself for my stupidity, packed up, and left. Next year, I'll be back, and I'll repay Bob by taking pictures of his wife.
Part three will cover my trip back to Turku, especially my encounter with another eagle in Pietarsaari.