The eagles are back

Local photographer captures images of National Bird

— Bald eagles are back in western Benton County and, with the colder weather in the north, more can be expected over the next few weeks, making eagle watching and photography a popular event at the Eagle Watch Nature Area on SWEPCO Lake, along the Spavinaw Creek, at Siloam Springs City Lake and at other creeks and rural areas.

Several bald eagles have been seen at SWEPCO Lake over the past several weeks, with viewing possible at Eagle Watch and at the boat ramp on Cripps Road.

Another spot where the birds of prey can often be seen is along Marion Lee Road (County Road 10) just west of Taylor’s Orchard. Though there is no parking except along the roadside and land is privately owned, the ash ponds to the north of the road at Flint Creek Power Plant are often a favorite spot for the birds.

Mike Martin, a local nature photographer, has already captured numerous photos of eagles in western Benton County this fall. (The photographs on this page were all taken this fall in western Benton County, some of them at Eagle Watch and someat Siloam Springs City Lake).

He uses a Canon digital camera and large telephoto lens, with a tripod which enables him to quickly focus on the birds and pan to capture the birds in flight.

While photographing the birds in flight is an art requiring skill and equipment, anyone can observe the birds and, with some patience and a telephoto lens, photograph them.

A pair of binoculars or spotting scope are useful tools to watch the birds. A long telephoto lens and a willingness to spend some time in the field are usually necessary for good photographic results.

Mike Martin is a native Arkansan, originally from Wynne, who has lived most of his adult life in Northwest Arkansas and has been an avid nature and wildlife photographer for over 25 years. He particularly enjoys the challenge of capturing birds in flight and has a passion for birds of prey.

As an avid outdoorsman most of his life, Mike has coupled his knowledge of the outdoors with photography to capture animals in their natural habitats.

His photos have recently been published by the New York City Parks and Recreation Department, the New York State ParksDepartment, Cornell University’s Ornithology Department’s award winning website, “All About Birds,” and the California Parks Department.

Last year, one of his photos was selected for publication in a book entitled, Capture Arkansas. His photo was one of only 200 photos selected for publication from over 63,000 submissions for this book which was published in November 2010.

In September 2010, one of his photos won the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s Spotlight contest “People’s Choice” award.

This photo was the highest voted photo by the general public from over 10,000 submissions.

In May of 2011, one of Mike's photos won the Nature division in a photo contest sponsored by the Mid American Photography Symposium held in Eureka Springs. This same photo of a great blue heron was also awarded the "Grand Champion" award.

Mike lives in Cave Springs. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and served as a pilot and officer in the U.S. Navy. He works as a human resources professional in manufacturing for Preformed Line Products in Rogers.

News, Pages 12 on 12/07/2011