I captured my first bald eagle image in 2012 in Boxley Valley of all places. I had made several trips to the area over the previous year for elk and landscape images so seeing a bald eagle was a real bonus for me!
I joined a few Facebook groups as a way to learn more about great photography locations around the state of Arkansas. Right away I started seeing bald eagle images and was surprised at how many of them there were around the state. The only downside was that most of them were hours away from me.
But I didn't let that slow me down! I traveled wherever I could to photograph eagles. At the same time I kept searching for places closer to home. I wanted a place I could get to fairly quickly so I could visit more often.
I came across Big Lake NWR in the northeast area of the state just below the Missouri boot heel so I went to check it out. The refuge itself was interesting, but didn't present many good photography spots. I noticed Mallard Lake was close by and drove over to see what it was like.
When I pulled up to the southern tip of the lake there were two bald eagles perched in a cypress tree just waiting to be photographed! I instantly fell in love with the place. I soon learned that not only was it great for eagles and other wildlife, it provided some great landscape opportunities too.
This gallery contains my "best of" from my first trip in November of 2014 until now. Actually, I should say "best" and "most interesting" images. Over 300 images out of 11,000+ from 125+ visits to the lake (as of September, 2023).
Hopefully they will give you a good idea of all the potential the area has to offer. It's still my go-to photography destination since it's only about 45 minutes from home.
Enjoy!
I joined a few Facebook groups as a way to learn more about great photography locations around the state of Arkansas. Right away I started seeing bald eagle images and was surprised at how many of them there were around the state. The only downside was that most of them were hours away from me.
But I didn't let that slow me down! I traveled wherever I could to photograph eagles. At the same time I kept searching for places closer to home. I wanted a place I could get to fairly quickly so I could visit more often.
I came across Big Lake NWR in the northeast area of the state just below the Missouri boot heel so I went to check it out. The refuge itself was interesting, but didn't present many good photography spots. I noticed Mallard Lake was close by and drove over to see what it was like.
When I pulled up to the southern tip of the lake there were two bald eagles perched in a cypress tree just waiting to be photographed! I instantly fell in love with the place. I soon learned that not only was it great for eagles and other wildlife, it provided some great landscape opportunities too.
This gallery contains my "best of" from my first trip in November of 2014 until now. Actually, I should say "best" and "most interesting" images. Over 300 images out of 11,000+ from 125+ visits to the lake (as of September, 2023).
Hopefully they will give you a good idea of all the potential the area has to offer. It's still my go-to photography destination since it's only about 45 minutes from home.
Enjoy!
© Douglas F Hundley Photography
