While parked near the Tuff Boat Ramp at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I had the privilege of observing a bald eagle perched in a towering cottonwood tree. This location, just off the auto tour road, offers a great vantage point over the Arkansas River. On this particular morning, the eagle’s behavior hinted at a hunt in progress.
The eagle swooped down suddenly, its attention fixed on something near a log floating in the river. Although I didn’t see it catch anything, the bird landed on the log and spent several minutes inspecting the backside with intense focus. Afterward, it took off, flying south across the river. It’s always fascinating to watch these birds up close, even during their more routine moments.
My Observation Point
I was sitting in my pickup, parked near the edge of the river. This spot is west of the Tuff Boat Ramp, the first ramp along the refuge’s auto tour route. Over the years, I’ve noticed a pair of bald eagles frequently occupying this same cottonwood tree during early mornings. Despite their regular presence, they’ve never built a nest here, which always puzzles me. The tree seems ideal, offering height, stability, and proximity to the river.
Capturing the Moment
For this session, I used my Canon EOS 7D paired with a Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens. The camera was stabilized on a bean bag draped over my open window, allowing for steady, unobtrusive shooting.
Camera Settings:
- Mode: AV (Aperture Priority)
- Aperture: f/8
- ISO: 640
- Shutter Speed: 1/800 second
- Exposure Compensation: -1/3 EV
- Focal Length: 500 mm
These settings allowed me to capture sharp details of the eagle against the backdrop of the river and floating log. The slightly negative exposure bias helped retain detail in the bright feathers without overexposing.
Final Thoughts
Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge is one of my favorite spots for observing and photographing bald eagles. Encounters like this remind me of their precision and adaptability as hunters. If you’re planning a visit, the cottonwood near the Tuff Boat Ramp is a reliable spot to see these majestic birds in action, especially during the early morning hours.
Have you spotted bald eagles in this area or noticed similar behavior? I’d love to hear about your experiences.