I photographed this Bald Eagle as it made a sharp turn over Charleston Lake in Charleston, Arkansas. This shot was taken back in January 2014, during what turned out to be an excellent year for watching and photographing Bald Eagles on this small lake. On this particular day, the eagles were busy diving for large shad, and I counted over 10 individuals—a rare and exciting sight.
About Charleston Lake
Charleston Lake sits at the end of South School Street, within the city limits of Charleston. It’s a small lake, though I don’t know its exact size. Years ago, it was a popular fishing spot after someone caught a record-breaking 13-pound, 4-ounce Largemouth Bass here. That record stood for a short time in Arkansas, but fishing activity seems to have declined since. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to have the entire place to yourself.
The lake also features a convenient parking area close to the water, making it an excellent location for wildlife photography. I photographed this Bald Eagle from my pickup, with my camera resting on a bean bag draped over the open window—a comfortable setup for capturing fast-moving subjects like eagles.
Equipment and Settings
For this shot, I used my Canon EOS 7D paired with a Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM lens. These tools, along with the stability of the bean bag, helped me get this detailed image in the low morning light around 6:30 a.m.
Camera Settings:
- Shooting mode: Aperture Priority (AV)
- Aperture: f/5.6
- ISO: 640
- Shutter speed: 1/800 of a second
- Focal length: 500 mm
The lighting and positioning were ideal for highlighting the eagle’s sharp features and the graceful turn it was making.
Why Charleston Lake Stands Out for Eagle Photography
The quiet nature of Charleston Lake makes it a fantastic spot for observing wildlife, especially during the winter months when Bald Eagles are most active in Arkansas. Their hunting behavior, like diving for shad, offers photographers opportunities to capture dynamic action shots. The small size of the lake also makes it easier to spot and track the birds, even with longer focal lengths.
This experience from 2014 remains one of my favorite moments at Charleston Lake. It’s always rewarding to witness the power and precision of Bald Eagles in action, especially when you can photograph them in such a serene and accessible location.