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| Bald eagle. Photo by Chuck Cooper |
To be a truly great wildlife photographer, it helps if you have an expensive camera and lens. But, the one thing that is paramount in your toolbox, the one thing you have to have is patience. Patience with a capital "P."
Photographer Chuck Cooper often visits Ijams on the weekends and spends time in and around the Visitor Center. He also slowly walks the trails.
Last Saturday, he was on the boardwalk overlooking the Tennessee River, when he spotted the above bald eagle across the water on the opposite shoreline. Chuck quickly snapped a few photos, then he settled in to wait. He was hoping that when the eagle flew it would fly towards him and maybe even swoop down to catch a fish.
The regal raptor stayed perched for over a hour. Chuck waited. Any wildlife photographer needs to be able to play the waiting game with fingers crossed.
Alas, this time the eagle chose to fly the opposite direction and that great eagle-in-action-shot he was dreaming about will have to wait.
Thanks, Chuck. Ijams appreciates all you do!
- Stephen Lyn Bales
Thanks for the wonderful story and use of my photo! No, thank you Ijams for all you do and providing such a wonderful place to come and get away. Truly a gem in the heart of downtown Knoxville with easy access for all to enjoy. Everyone needs to experience and support Ijams. You provide me with endless photo ops ( a blank canvas) in which I can share my findings with others through my photos. Thanks again and keep up the excellent work!
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