I saw an image today of a bald eagle shot from almost head on and the eagle was about to pluck a fish out of the water. You can even see the fish's fins. Was a 1D MkIV+500mm f4 IS+1.4x TC III for 700mm f5.6. If I had $10k, that'd be my rig.
Great shots, Ed.
DC, will you take payments? (j/k)