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