Eagle fishing in the Banff National Park
I watched this eagle glide across the Vermilion Lake from its nest on the far side. Ahead of his arrival on the shore in front of me, waterfowl and a couple of Great blue heron scattered in all directions. The eagle flew higher and circled a couple of times, staring into the water. He dove, his claws slicing the water, but finding no joy. The raptor pulled up into a branch of a dead tree to reconsider its approach.
Twenty minutes passed before his second flight. He flew in a wide arc, gaining a little more altitude. The birds that had been on the water, had not returned so the eagle had a clean line this time.
He dove, again, and this time his talons came off the surface with a fish in their grasp.
The fish was quickly moved from talons to beak and then swallowed mid-flight.
The eagle flew back up to the same tree and settled on a branch near where it had been pestered by the blackbird earlier. From there, I hoped he would fish again and I waited for more than an hour. Along the way, he called out a few times which gave some interesting head and beak positions to photograph.
Christopher Martin Photography 
Hi Christopher! Would you allow me to use the top eagle photo in a blog-post I’ll do soon about the Eagle Hotel in Bluff, Southland, New Zealand. The hotel has an eagle of this type pictured on the front of the hotel, similar pose, and I’d like to show what the real creature looks like in comparison. Please let me know, thanks, Liz. I’d credit and link back of course.
September 1, 2018 at 4:15 pm
These photos are outstanding. You’ve really captured the beautiful movement, emotion, and grandeur of this eagle.
December 3, 2016 at 7:30 pm
great shots!
July 9, 2016 at 3:34 pm
I love how you have a story along with your work. Your images are so well constructed and beautiful… In the moment. But having the additional narrative just adds something more… It’s inspiring! 😊
July 5, 2016 at 2:41 pm
Excellent shot of the eagle!
July 4, 2016 at 9:19 am
Magnificent!
July 4, 2016 at 7:23 am
Awesome photos..!! Love to read your blog.😊
July 3, 2016 at 11:37 pm
Completely awesome, Christopher.
July 3, 2016 at 7:53 pm
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Great series of photographs
July 3, 2016 at 3:05 pm
That’s the king of the air lifts!
Liebe Gruesse Monika
July 3, 2016 at 1:57 pm