Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)
Tejo Internacional, Portugal

And there’s the other kind: those images that are not prepared and can hardly be conceived beforehand. One studies the light, one choses the day (meteorological conditions) and the hour, and one merely waits for something special to occur.

Nikon D3s + Nikon 500mm f4 VR
iso 2500, 1/640, f6.3

Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)
Tejo Internacional, Portugal

Contrary to what some may think, many of the Nature photos that I make are conceived beforehand, not only the subjects but also the light and framing, amongst other aspects. During last winter I visited this place more than ten times. I was looking for a crepuscular light on a heavily clouded sky with a few small interspaces. I was hoping to find some Griffons or Black Vultures that are abundant in the area. since these large necrophagous birds do not like to fly around in rainy days or with reduced visibility, waiting for them in such a setting required a lot of persistence.

Nikon D3s + Nikon 500mm f4 VR
iso 200, 1/2000, f13

Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti)
Tejo Internacional, Portugal

The Spanish Imperial Eagle used to be no more than a mirage in national territory, but is thriving here today. This young male mated last year, when I took this shot. Now, a year later, its plumage is darker, more similar to an adult’s.

Nikon D300 + Nikon 500mm f4 VR
iso 400, 1/1250, f5.6