Photographing the American Bald Eagle

Photographing the Majestic American Bald Eagle

The American Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is one of the most majestic birds to photograph. Every year, hundreds of photographers, equipped with advanced and specialized gear, travel to capture this iconic bird. As a passionate photographer, I find that I can never get enough of photographing these magnificent creatures.

Eagle Biology

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Males weigh between 6 and 9 pounds, while females are 20–30% heavier, with some Alaskan females reaching 15 pounds. Florida males can weigh as little as 6 pounds.
• Length: The average female measures 35–38 inches.
• Wingspan: Varies from 6 to 8 feet.
• "Bald" Name Origin: Derived from the old English word “balde,” meaning white-headed.
• Lifespan: In the wild, Bald Eagles typically live around 30 years, with the longest recorded lifespan being 39 years.

Lifecycle and Development

• Mating: Bald Eagles typically mate for life, though external factors may occasionally lead to changes.
• Incubation: Eggs take approximately 35 days to develop. Parents roll the eggs every 1–2 hours to prevent damage to the developing chick.
• Growth: Eaglets gain 0.5 to 1 pound weekly until 9–10 weeks of age.
• At 3 weeks: 1 foot tall; feet and beaks nearly adult-sized.
• At 8 weeks: Maximum appetite, with parents hunting continuously to feed them.
• At 10–14 weeks: Eaglets fledge and leave the nest.

Stages of Development

• Nestling: Eaglet still in the nest.
• Eaglet: General term for young eagles.
• Fledgling: Eaglet that has taken flight.
• Juvenile: Fledgling in its first year.
• Immature: Eagle aged 2–4 years.
• Sub-adult: Eagle showing significant plumage changes, usually at 4 years old.
• Mature: Fully grown eagle at 5 years old.

Male vs. Female Identification

• Males:
• Leaner and more streamlined through the head, shoulders, and chest.
• Talons are approximately the same length, with the hallux (rear talon) slightly longer (~1.25”).
• Tend to be more skittish and may take flight if approached too closely.
• Females:
• Larger head and broader chest and shoulders.
• Hallux talon is significantly longer (~2.0”).
• Often more tolerant of human presence.

Recommended Gear

While specific brands are not critical, here is my gear list for photographing Bald Eagles:

• Camera Bodies: Nikon Z9
• Lenses:
• Nikon 500 f/4E prime lens.
• Nikon 180 - 600 zoom lens.
• Nikon 1.4x teleconverter (version 3) for 500mm. 
• Tripod: Gitzo carbon tripod (used in certain situations).
• Mount: Wimberley gimbal mount (used in certain situations).

Camera Settings

Exposure and ISO

• Preferred Mode: Manual exposure with Auto-ISO and exposure compensation.
• This accommodates rapid transitions from sky to wooded or watery backgrounds.
• Note:  You can go full manual and a adjust on the fly.  If you test the exposures at the various environments, you will be photographing in you should be able to assess the necessary adjustments.  Some lenses even have programable buttons that you can program those settings into.  I have done this both ways, full manual and using Auto ISO.
• Shutter Speed: Minimum of 1/1250 sec, increasing as light allows.
• High-Speed Continuous Shutter: To ensure you don’t miss the action.

Focus Settings

• Autofocus:
• Nikon AFC-GRP (Group) for dynamic situations.
• AFC-S (Single Spot) for static shots.
• Focus delay set to maximum.
• Lens Calibration: Ensure lenses are calibrated to the camera body if using a DSLR. Mirrorless systems may not require this step.

Shooting Techniques

Hand-Holding the Camera

• Hold the camera like a rifle:
• Body turned 45°–90° to the target.
• Support the lens farther out with your non-dominant hand.

Target Acquisition

• Use zoom to locate the subject quickly, then zoom in for the shot.

Shooting from a Vehicle

• Use the vehicle as a blind, stabilizing the lens on the door for support.

Avoid "Chimping"

• Resist the urge to review shots while tracking the bird; stay focused to avoid missing critical moments.

Panning

• Practice panning on cars or backyard birds to improve your tracking skills.
• When an eagle plucks a fish from the water, pause slightly during the capture moment to avoid blurring the action.

Best Locations to Photograph Bald Eagles

Bald Eagles are found along major waterways and in every U.S. state. Conservation efforts since the 1980s have greatly improved their population, making it common to see hundreds gathered.

Seasonal Tips

• Winter: The best time to find and photograph Bald Eagles. Cold, harsh weather keeps them near their primary food sources.
• Coastal Areas: Excellent for observing fishing behavior.
• Inland: During warmer months, eagles may fly farther inland, even appearing in farm fields.

Finding Eagles

• Consult local wildlife websites or communities for information on hotspots in your area.

Final Thoughts

Photographing Bald Eagles requires preparation, patience, and respect for their natural behaviors. Embrace the challenge, and most importantly, enjoy the experience!