I spotted this young Bald Eagle perched on a dead tree at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. It gave me just enough time to slow down, park, and work the scene.
Wildlife Notes
This eagle stayed on a dead snag while I photographed it. I like dead trees for raptor photos because they give a clean perch and fewer distractions.
At a quick glance, younger Bald Eagles can look “messy” compared to adults. Their head and body patterns take time to settle into the crisp white head and tail that most people expect.
Sequoyah NWR often gives you these short windows where a bird holds still. When that happens, I try to work fast, keep movements small, and let the bird stay comfortable.
Photography Notes
To get this close-up, I had to park and get out of my pickup. I used the truck as cover, and as support for my camera and lens.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II
Technical:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: May 28, 2021 (09:12 A. M.)
- Aperture: f7.1
- Shutter speed: 1/250
- ISO: 4000
- Exposure Compensation: 0
- Focal Length: 371 mm
With a perched bird, I focus on the eye and watch the shutter speed. If the head is moving, I bump speed up. In this case, I held 1/250 and leaned on support from the pickup to keep the frame steady.
Closing
This was a simple moment, but I love how a young eagle looks in tight detail. One cooperative perch can turn into a clean portrait in a hurry.