I recently photographed a mature Bald Eagle in flight, holding a branch as it was flying north towards the Arkansas River. This incident occurred at Charleston Lake, located in Charleston, Arkansas on December 19, 2023.
The behavior of mature Bald Eagles carrying branches towards a tree is usually linked to nest preparation. Adult eagles break off branches and bring them to the nest to strengthen and decorate it for the breeding season.
The nesting season for Bald Eagles in Arkansas typically starts from late October and may extend through December, and some pairs may begin nest building as early as November or December. Breeding season can vary regionally, and eagles in southern regions may begin nest building during this period. In areas where eagles stay local throughout the winter, nest building and renovation may begin as early as November or December, and some pairs may need to rebuild their nest during this period. The peak months for eagle watching in Arkansas are December through February, with January being designated as Eagle Awareness Month in the state.
Eagles may utilize the same nest for several years, with some nests being used for decades. The longevity of a nest can be influenced by various factors such as its location, structural integrity, and environmental conditions.
The process for monitoring Bald Eagle nests in Arkansas includes reporting any observed nests to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Wildlife Management Division at 877-873-4651. The commission monitors all eagle nests in the state as part of a nationwide effort. Additionally, anyone who spots a Bald Eagle nest is encouraged to report it to the authorities. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is actively involved in the conservation and management of Bald Eagles in the state, and they depend on public reporting to help monitor and protect these magnificent birds.
Image Information:
- Date: 12/19/23
- Time: 09:31 AM
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- ISO: 500
- Aperture: 8
- Shutter: 1/3200
- Exp. Comp.: -0.7
- Lens (mm): 500
- Program Mode: Manual