Hone photo skills

Photography of bald eagles is the focus of three eagle-watch pontoon boat cruises on Beaver Lake offered by Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area.

Tim Johnson, wildlife photographer and member of the Photographic Society of Northwest Arkansas, will be on board Jan. 8 and Feb. 5 to offer tips on photographing bald eagles. He will discuss equipment needed to get quality photos of eagles and other birds, proper camera settings to get sharp pictures and good places around the region to photograph eagles.

There will be a guide on board as usual to talk about eagles and answer questions about Beaver Lake, its wildlife and about Hobbs State Park.

Eagle-watch cruises set sail each Saturday and Sunday through February at 3 p.m. from Rocky Branch Marina. Some weekday cruises have been scheduled for the holidays. Cost is $15 for adults plus tax and $7.50 for children age 6-12. Make reservations and prepay by calling the visitor center at 479-789-5000 or stop by the center one-quarter mile east of Arkansas 12 and War Eagle Road.