On my Hokkaido birding photo tours, we always spend a couple of days on chartered boats photographing both White-tailed eagles and Steller’s sea eagles (Haliaeetus pelagicus) as they feed side by side—sometimes sharing floes side by side for warmth before turning into fierce rivals when prey appears. These dramatic moments create unforgettable opportunities to capture nature at its rawest. The image featured here shows a White-tailed eagle diving with deadly precision—something I estimated at close to 100 kph (60 mph). I used the Nikon Z9 paired with the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S. 
Today’s camera technology is a game-changer. Just a few years ago, photographers had to manually predict where a bird would strike and adjust focus points accordingly. Now, with lightning-fast autofocus and eye detection systems like those in the Nikon Z series, we can rely on our equipment to help nail the shot.
Whether you're just starting or have years behind the lens, I give participants who join me in Hokkaido hands-on instruction—from shooting in Zodiacs to setting up for fast-action bird photography—so everyone is prepared when a White-tailed eagle comes screaming out of the sky. These moments don’t just test your gear—they test your preparation, your instincts, and your patience. But when everything aligns, the results are unforgettable. Join me in Hokkaido and discover the thrill of capturing these majestic birds up close on a true wildlife photography adventure.