13th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Beak versus Talon

The water receded and a big catfish got caught in the marsh. I am not sure who spotted the fish first, but by the time we got there the marabou and the fish eagle were locked in a fierce fight over it. It was an epic battle of beak versus talon. As the fight was raging a juvenile eagle positioned himself opportunistically and strategically to benefit from any scraps that might come his way.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2015
Date Uploaded: 09.2015
Photo Location: Masai Mara, Kenya
Camera: Canon EOS-1D X
Copyright: © Michel Zoghzoghi