During this May’s Tarkine photography workshop we were extremely fortunate to witness this white bellied sea eagle during our Pieman River Cruise one morning. We had chartered the little “Sweetwater” vessel, allowing us a private cruise on the Pieman nice and early in the morning when the morning mist was still dancing with the tips of the giant trees and reflections of this timeless landscape greeted us around every twist and turn of the Pieman and Donaldson rivers.

Our first sighting of the eagle. High in a tree beside the river, scouting the river for a meal.

Crop of the image above

Quick poo before take off. Lightening the load as it were…

I took multiple shots during the flight. Some weren’t in perfect focus but the thrill of the hunt was very real 🙂

Stunning plumage of the Sea Eagle

Nailed it 🙂

My favourites – as the eagle left the cover of the forest, this magnificent composition appeared. It was a case of shoot first, ask questions later, as it was all over in a matter of moments…

Another of my favourites. Up close you can even see the “fingers” at the end of each wing – individual feathers that look a lot like fingers that is 😉

These magnificent raptors are not uncommon in the area, and indeed most years we see them, but this one really did put on a nice little flight for us with the giant eucalypts shrouded in mist a stunning backdrop.

For details on next years Tarkine trips click here.