Today, I want to share some photos I took of a Bald Eagle flying with a Crappie in its talons. Unfortunately, I couldn’t capture a shot of the moment when the Eagle snatched the fish out of the water because I wasn’t fast enough to get my camera on it in time. However, I managed to take some pictures of the eagle leaving the water with its catch.
I was observing several Double-crested Cormorants catching shad near the lake dam, and I noticed this eagle perched nearby, watching these birds. So, I kept my eyes on it, in case it decided to fly down and grab a fish. While I was photographing one of the Cormorants, I saw the Eagle leaving the tree and diving toward the lake out of the corner of my eye. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get my camera on it quickly enough to capture the initial strike. Nevertheless, I am happy with the photos I took of the Eagle flying away with the fish.
All of this took place at Charleston Lake in Charleston, Arkansas.
I have seen two methods that Bald Eagles use in catching fish in lakes. They soar high above the water, using their powerful eyesight to spot fish near the surface. Once a target is identified, they swoop down with precision and snatch the fish from the water with their sharp talons. Another method involves watching the water surface from a perch then swooping down close to the water and dropping their feet in to catch the fish. This demonstrates the bald eagle’s adaptability in hunting for fish in various environments.
Image Information (First Image):
- Date: 12/12/23
- Time: 10:55 AM
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- ISO: 1250
- Aperture: 7.1
- Shutter: 1/3200
- Exp. Comp.: -0.7
- Lens (mm): 500
- Program Mode: Manual