While photographing along the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, I spotted a Bald Eagle perched high in a tree. It was a clear autumn morning, and the light hit just right against the blue sky. As I watched, the eagle suddenly threw back its head and let out a piercing cry that broke the still air.
Wildlife Notes
Bald Eagles make a variety of calls for different reasons. This series of sharp, piping whistles might have been a contact call to another eagle nearby that I couldn’t see. They also vocalize to defend their territory, especially during nesting season. Another possibility is that this bird was reacting to distant gunfire from duck hunters. Eagles have very sensitive hearing and often respond to loud human-made noises in their surroundings.
The sound itself was not the deep, powerful scream that many people expect from an eagle. Hollywood often uses the call of a Red-tailed Hawk to stand in for the Bald Eagle’s voice. In real life, their calls are higher-pitched and more delicate, almost musical in tone. That morning, hearing the true voice of our national bird reminded me how different real nature is from what we see in movies.
Photography Notes
I photographed this Bald Eagle at 8:01 AM on November 12, 2023, while it perched near the river inside the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. The light was warm and low, creating a strong contrast between the eagle’s dark feathers and the bright blue sky.
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS II USM
- Focal Length: 400mm
- Aperture: f/5.6
- Shutter Speed: 1/800 sec
- ISO: 1000 (Auto)
- Exposure Compensation: 0
I handheld the camera for this shot, using a fast shutter speed to freeze the moment when the eagle called. I focused on its eye and opened beak, which helped convey the energy of the sound. The crisp background and warm light gave the image a clean, natural look that matched the mood of the morning.
I also captured a short video clip that includes the eagle’s call. You can watch it here.
Hearing and photographing this Bald Eagle was one of those moments that reminds me why I love wildlife photography. It’s not just about the image, it’s about witnessing a wild creature in its element and sharing that experience with others.