Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
King flight

Steller's sea eagles are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN and are legally protected as a national treasure in Japan. Despite this, they face numerous threats, including the harshness of severe winter conditions, which challenge their survival. To convey their majestic beauty and resilience, I used a slow shutter speed of 1/13 second, capturing a sense of their enduring spirit and power. As this eagle approached me, I carefully framed it in my viewfinder, hoping to create an image that not only highlights its grace but also serves as a tribute to its perseverance and long-standing presence on our planet.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Rausu, Japan
Camera: NIKON Z 9
Copyright: © Yoshiki Nakamura