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One of the highlights of each year's Japan workshop, is to photograph white-tailed and Steller's sea eagles on the pack ice that comes floating down from Siberia.

To see these amazing creatures in action is a real joy, even without a camera.

We use a small boat for our group to sail between the pack ice, and watch the birds flying around us or sitting on the pack ice.

Usually, there are so many eagles flying around, it's hard to keep track of them and we warn each other when we see one coming. It's great fun.

This shot shows a Steller's sea eagle flying over the pack ice that covers the ocean. The Steller's sea eagle is the heaviest eagle in the world and one of the largest raptors. This species is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. They are legally protected, being classified as a National Treasure in Japan. The current population is estimated at 5,000 and decreasing. This is what makes it extra special to be literally surrounded by these impressive and incredibly beautiful birds.

Manual exposure, spot metered off the ice.

If you would like to join me on our next White & Wild Japan workshop and learn how to take better wildlife pictures, please check out my website for more information, pictures and a tour impression video clip:

Squiver Photo Tours & Workshops

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Marsel

©2013 Marsel van Oosten, All Rights Reserved. This image is not available for use on websites, blogs or other media without the explicit written permission of the photographer.