Immature Bald Eagle Flying Over Charleston City Lake

I watched an immature Bald Eagle soar over Charleston City Lake in Charleston, Arkansas, on the morning of December 3, 2025. The bird flew directly overhead, giving me a clear view of its wings and distinctive plumage. I was able to capture these shots hand-held from my truck window.

Wildlife Notes

This immature Bald Eagle is likely in its second or third year based on its plumage. Immature eagles show a mix of brown and white feathers across their body and wings. They lack the solid white head and tail of adults, which don’t fully develop until the bird is around four to five years old.

Bald Eagles are year-round residents in some parts of Arkansas, but winter brings an increase in numbers as northern birds migrate south. Charleston Lake is located in the Arkansas River Valley, and the area offers good fishing habitat. Eagles are drawn to lakes and rivers where fish are available near the surface.

This bird was actively flying, likely scanning the water below for fish or other food sources. Bald Eagles are opportunistic feeders and will also scavenge when the opportunity arises. Their flight style is distinctive, with powerful, deliberate wingbeats and periods of gliding.

Photography Notes: Immature Bald Eagle Flying Over Charleston Lake

I photographed this immature Bald Eagle from my truck using the Canon EOS R5 Mark II paired with the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lens. I was parked near the lake with my window down, shooting hand-held. The bird flew close enough that I was able to frame it at 800mm.

Camera settings were: f/9, 1/4000 sec, ISO 2000, 800mm focal length, with +0.7 exposure compensation. The fast shutter speed was critical for freezing the motion of the wings. The higher ISO was necessary to maintain that shutter speed in the morning light. The bright sky can trick the meter into underexposing the eagle, so I dialed in +0.7 exposure compensation to keep detail in the feathers.

Hand-holding at 800mm requires good technique, but the R5 Mark II’s in-body stabilization combined with the lens stabilization helped me get sharp images. I tracked the eagle as it flew overhead, keeping focus on the bird’s head and body.

The clear blue sky provided a clean background with no distractions. Morning light added warmth to the brown tones in the feathers. Shooting from the truck worked well because it allowed me to stay low and avoid spooking the bird.

If you’re interested in photographing eagles at Charleston Lake, morning hours tend to be productive. Eagles often fly over the lake or perch in nearby trees. Patience and a long lens are helpful. For more on photographing eagles in Arkansas, check out my Photographing Bald Eagles Over Charleston Lake and Bald Eagle Flight Facts posts.

Watching Immature Eagles Develop

Immature Bald Eagles go through several plumage stages before reaching full adult appearance. Each year brings changes in their feather patterns. It takes roughly five years for an eagle to develop the iconic white head and tail.

These younger birds are still learning to hunt and refine their flying skills. They’re capable fliers but may not be as efficient as adults when it comes to catching prey. Watching them practice and improve over time is one of the rewards of spending time near eagle habitat.