19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Eagle Huntress releasing her golden eagle

In the image, the then 12-year-old eagle huntress, Aigerim releases her golden eagle from a high point of the Altai Mountain. The eagle huntress has a special relationship with her golden eagle, which recognizes her voice. The eagle huntress took her horse to a high point which allows her eagle to scan the valley for prey. Once a prey is located, the eagle dived down at a high speed and Aigerim rode her horse down quickly to fetch the catch and to prevent the eagle from damaging the fur of the prey.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2018
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: Mongolia
Camera: LEICA SL (Typ 601)
Copyright: © Diana Ishii