Indiana Man Captures Stunning Photos of Bald Eagle in the Wild

There is something special about seeing a bald eagle in person. I can’t put it into words – it’s one of those “if you know, you know” kind of situations. I see large birds near my house all the time – mainly hawks and buzzards – but you haven’t seen a truly BIG bird until you see a bald eagle. Luckily, America’s bird is common and thriving in Indiana.

ALSO READ: Indiana Photographer Captures Eerie Picture of a Great Egret

Until you have the opportunity to encounter a bald eagle in the wild, maybe these pictures will do for the time being. The gorgeous bird was captured on camera by Jeff Basham, a nature photographer from northern Indiana – he shares pics like this on the Indiana Wildlife Facebook page.

Where to Spot Bald Eagles in Indiana

Eagles flourish near open water, tall trees, and places where they aren’t disturbed. You might be lucky enough to spot an eagle at the following places:

• Major rivers: Wabash, White, and Ohio Rivers
• Large reservoirs: Monroe Lake, Patoka Lake
• State & wildlife refuges:
  • Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge (Jackson & Monroe Counties)—noted for breeding bald eagles.
  • Eagle Marsh (Fort Wayne)—named for eagles, with a variety of birdlife.
• Other popular places:
  • Gibson Lake / Wabash River levee area—eagles winter here.
  • Pokagon State Park & Lake James (northern Indiana)—frequent sightings of bald eagles.
  • Lamb Lake, Johnson County—home to eagles among other wildlife.

How to Be a Respectful Eagle Observer

Okay, you’ve just seen a bald eagle flying around in the wild – so what do you do now? You want to see more of it, but you want to be respectful, too, right? Here’s what the Indiana DNR recommends.

• Keep your distance: Stay at least 330 feet (a football field) from nests and roosting sites.
• Use binoculars & telephoto: A zoom lens or binoculars helps you appreciate their beauty without disturbing them.
• Protect their environment: Drive responsibly to avoid accidents involving eagles feeding roadside, and support non-lead hunting ammo to reduce lead poisoning risk.

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Celebrate Eagle Conservation Success

Next time you see photos like these online, or if you see an eagle in person, take a moment to marvel, and perhaps say a little "thank you" to the conservation heroes, volunteers, and environment itself that let these eagles soar again across Indiana's skies.