One cold winter morning at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I encountered a juvenile Bald Eagle perched on a bare tree limb. As the sun began its ascent, soft golden light spilled across the wetlands. This wildlife haven along the Arkansas River is a prime spot to observe Bald Eagles, especially in December.
From the warmth of my truck, I watched the juvenile Bald Eagle survey the land below. Its white and brown plumage, partially white head, and yellow beak with dark blotches signaled its youth. The bird appeared focused, perhaps scanning for its next meal before retreating to roost later in the day.
With my camera equipment resting on a beanbag, I carefully framed the scene through the open truck window. Morning light illuminated the eagle’s feathers, creating a striking contrast against the blue sky. I managed to capture several images of the bird as it perched, still and majestic, on the bare branch.
Juvenile Bald Eagles often rely on protected areas like Sequoyah to hone their hunting skills and prepare for adulthood. This young eagle may one day sport the full white head and tail feathers of a mature Bald Eagle. For now, I treasure the opportunity to photograph its transition into adulthood—a moment bathed in the soft glow of dawn.
Gear Details:
- Camera: Canon EOS 7D
- Lens: Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS
Technical Information:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date & Time: December 17, 2011 (09:10 A.M.)
- Shooting Mode: Aperture Priority
- Aperture: f/5.0
- Shutter Speed: 1/1600 sec.
- ISO: 640
- Exposure Compensation: 0
- Focal Length: 500 mm
Wildlife photography often requires patience and a bit of luck. Capturing this young eagle in such stunning light served as a reminder of why I dedicate so much time to observing and documenting nature. It’s moments like these that connect us to the wild.