I photographed a Bald Eagle taking off from a favorite perch at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge a few days ago. The bird landed on a limb that did not look very stable, so I got ready right away and was able to photograph it as it lifted into the morning sky.
This tree stands near the Arkansas River, just west of the Tuff boat ramp along the auto tour road. It has been one of my most reliable places to find Bald Eagles over the years, and some of my favorite eagle photos have come from this same spot.
Storms have broken off several of the limbs that once made this tree such a strong perch. Even so, eagles still use it to watch over the river and the refuge. Every time I pass it, I wonder how much longer it will remain standing.
Bald Eagle Taking Off Above the Arkansas River
When I saw this young eagle land, I noticed right away that the perch did not look secure. It seemed like the kind of landing that would only last a moment. Instead of waiting to see what happened, I stayed ready for the bird to leave.
That turned out to be the right call. The eagle did not stay long before lifting off. The whole sequence happened fast, but I was able to follow it from the first push away from the limb to the moment it cleared the perch.
These five images work well together because they show the takeoff in order. The first frames still carry some tension from that unstable landing spot. Then the wings open, the body rises, and the eagle moves cleanly into flight against the sky.
A Favorite Eagle Perch at Sequoyah Refuge
This tree has meant a lot to me over the years. It has been one of those dependable places on the refuge where a Bald Eagle might be waiting when I come around the bend. That kind of consistency is rare, and it is one reason I always pay attention when I pass this spot.
The tree is not what it once was. Storm damage has taken several limbs, including some of the perches that made it such a good place for both the eagles and for photography. I worry that one day I will drive through the refuge and find that this old tree has finally fallen.
I hope that day is still a long way off. Eagles continue to use it as a lookout over the Arkansas River and the refuge, and I am glad I was able to photograph this young bird here while the tree still stands.
This area has also given me some other memorable Bald Eagle photographs, including Young Bald Eagle Enjoys a Catfish Meal and Witnessing the Bald Eagles’ Drying Ritual.
Photographing a Bald Eagle Taking Off From My Truck
I made these photos from inside my truck with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and RF 100-500mm lens. Since I had a feeling the eagle would not stay on that perch for long, I stayed ready and kept my framing loose enough to follow the movement.
The early morning light helped bring out good detail in the plumage while keeping the background simple. A clean blue sky also helped separate the eagle from the tree and made the takeoff sequence stand out.
Camera settings:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5 Mark II
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- Focal length: 500 mm
- Aperture: f/8
- Shutter speed: 1/2500
- ISO: 640
- Exposure compensation: 0
- Support: Hand-held from inside my truck
- Date and Time: March 9, 2026, 8:01 A.M.
I chose these five images from the full sequence because they tell the story best. Rather than showing every frame, I wanted to share the ones that captured the moment from the first launch to full flight.
This old tree has given me some of my best Bald Eagle encounters at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. Moments like this are why I still look for it every time I drive the auto tour road.
Really nice photo sequence, Steve.