Swoop of the sea scavenger - Roy Mangersnes - Wildlife Photographer of the Year2011

2011: Behaviour: Birds - Highly Commended

Roy Mangersnes Enlarge image Swoop of the sea scavenger

Roy Mangersnes (Norway)

Swoop of the sea scavenger

Roy has taken many pictures of white-tailed eagles fishing off the coast of Norway, but on this trip, he set out to shoot an image that would convey the sheer size and power of the bird. These eagles are among the largest flying birds in Europe, with a wingspan of 2.2 metres (7 feet). In Norway, they are found mainly around the coast. Here fish form a large part of their diet, but much of it is scavenged from the leftovers of fisheries, seabirds and otters and also by stealing from other birds. Roy took the shot from a boat in a fjord in Flatanger, northern Norway, using fish bait. 'I chose a long lens even though I knew the eagle would be very close,' says Roy, the plan being to try for a silhouette. The challenge was to hold the heavy 500mm lens steady on a rocking boat and to follow the swooping bird with such a tight frame. But the result is a striking portrait.

Nikon D3S + 500mm f4 lens; 1/3200 sec at f8; ISO 500.

This photograph is available to buy as a print.