Eagle eye spots birds of prey

PATIENCE, research, dedication and a little bit of luck.

That is what it takes to snap a glorious photo like the one captured above by wildlife photographer Mehrdad Abbasian.

The Tasmanian photographer, a member of the Devonport Camera Club, was out with fellow snapper Robin Burtt, driving along a road next to the Mersey River when Mr Burtt spotted the majestic white-bellied sea eagles.

The duo pulled over, quickly grabbed their camera gear and waited patiently for the right shot.

“We stayed there for about an hour,” Mr Abbasian said.

“We were taking photographs of the sea eagle that was perching on the tree.

“I think they are a pair because I have seen them both there at the same spot before.”

While an element of luck was involved with wildlife photography, Mr Abbasian said a lot of research was also required in studying the species and the habitat.

“For example it took me about six months to get a shot of the azure kingfisher,” he said.

“Going to the same spot again and again and waiting for the right light and moment to take your shot.”

Mr Abbasian, who is also an associate member of the Australian Photographic Society, planned to enter the photo in future competitions.

There are about 200 pairs of sea eagles in Tasmania.

They can have a wing span of more than 2m and weigh up to 4.5kg.