On a crisp January morning in 2014, I captured this Bald Eagle in action as it swooped down to grab a fish from Booneville Lake in Logan County, Arkansas. Winter is one of the best times to visit this lake, as it attracts Bald Eagles looking for an abundant food source. Watching these majestic birds hunt is a thrilling experience, and photographing the moment they grab their catch is even more rewarding.
I set up my camera and lens on a tripod near the lake’s edge, ensuring a stable base to track the eagle as it made its move. The calm surface of the water provided an incredible reflection of the eagle as it plunged in, creating a dynamic composition with the spray of water adding movement to the scene.
Gear and Settings
For this photograph, I used:
- Camera: Canon EOS 7D
- Lens: Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM
The technical details were:
- Aperture: f/7.1
- Shutter Speed: 1/1600 sec
- ISO: 640
- Exposure Compensation: -2/3
- Focal Length: 500mm
Using an aperture of f/7.1 allowed me to keep the eagle sharp while slightly softening the background. The fast shutter speed was critical for freezing the motion of the eagle and the water droplets. The slight exposure compensation helped preserve detail in the bright white feathers of the eagle’s head.
Observing Bald Eagles at Booneville Lake
Booneville Lake is a fantastic spot for winter birdwatching and photography. Bald Eagles are most active during the morning, making early visits ideal for capturing their hunting behavior. This particular moment stands out as one of my favorite shots, combining the eagle’s strength and grace with the serene beauty of the lake.
If you’ve photographed Bald Eagles or have spent time at Booneville Lake, feel free to share your experiences in the comments!