A Gathering of Eagles

One of the most important elements of wildlife photography is understanding the habits and behaviors of the particular animals you are photographing. If you want success in your photos, you must have a fair knowledge of that animal and how it behaves under different circumstances.

I thought I knew Bald Eagles fairly well, but I spent the day on the Mississippi River near Clarksville, Mo. and found out my knowledge and photography skills to really capture quality photos were lacking. Noticed I said were, because eagles are very good teachers to those students who are willing to learn on the job.

Up until then most of my photos of eagles were of perching birds or those soaring lazily in the air. Great photos, but not really fantastic and revealing of the real eagle. I hadn't really considered how fast and agile these birds could be and how quickly they could become active and strike their prey or settle disputes among themselves.

When I arrived at the Clarksville Dam and Lock 24, there were already several hopeful photographers crowded against the dam. I am not one for crowds so I opted for a spot downriver all to myself. Besides, my keen observation skills told me that's where the eagles were, because the trees lining the river were full of them. That fact I guessed was lost to the others who were crowded at the dam waiting on them to show. First rule of photographing anything...use common sense.

I set up my camera and tripod and settled in to wait. Numerous White Pelicans were fishing in the river and I snapped a few shots of them. It wasn't long before the eagles noticed the pelicans feeding and the show began.

Triggered by the pelicans feeding, the eagles left the trees and began to hunt. They would soar about 100 feet above the river, scanning from side to side. Once they spotted a fish they would pull themselves into a sideways motion and begin their dive to the water. This maneuver was one I had not seen before and was quite impressive. It also clued me into the fact that very soon, they would be skimming the water, talons outstretched and engaged in catching the fish. Reading these clues were  important to being ready to capture the action or playing catch up wishing I'd got the shot. My photography skills up to this point were lacking in catching the fast action.

After one round of feeding was over the eagles would retreat to the trees and dine. Then another wave of action would commence in about 15 to 20 minutes. In the mean time there were squabbles and disputes to be settled and loud, long verbalization to signal their displeasure at one another. There were the most amazing flying skills exhibited during these disputes and ending when the offending eagle was sufficiently chastised and chased from the area.

These are amazing animals with a complex social structure. But to the student of animal behavior, a vast wealth of knowledge can be had for the low price of observation and listening. Spend time outdoors getting to know your subject and watching the intricate interaction with their environment. Understanding these complex behaviors goes a long way in capturing quality photographs.