UD researcher uses know-how to photograph local eagles

DAYTON — A local sensor technology specialist is using some of the know-how from his vocation to pursue an unusual avocation: photographing American bald eagles from afar.

Larrell Walters, executive director of the University of Dayton’s Institute for the Development and Commercialization of Sensor Technologies (IDCAST), has self-published a book featuring his photos of eagles in and around Dayton’s rivers and woodland areas — “Where Eagles Live, Dayton, Ohio.”

Walters relied on some of the best techniques that IDCAST researchers and associated companies use in their work for military and business clients.

“We’re looking at things like facial recognition from a kilometer away,” Walters said as he demonstrated his techniques at Deeds Park. “We’re all about looking at things from far away.”

Walters uses lenses, lens spacers and camera settings to increase focus, allowing him to photograph eagles, either in flight or nesting, in some cases hundreds of yards away.

He uses camera settings calculated to achieve ever-stronger “multiplier effects” that let him observe the birds from distances that won’t disturb them. The ability to do that is crucial, he said, because eagles behave differently when they perceive they’re being observed.

The eagles were often observed near the Great Miami River, Carillon Park or sometimes Eastwood Lake. Walters had a no-cost contract with the city of Dayton that allowed him to photograph nesting eagles at Eastwood one day a week.

As Walters sees it, the loss of widespread heavy industry in Dayton has enabled eagles to feel comfortable here. Mike O’Connor, a UD Research Institute group leader in sensor systems, has worked with Walters for four years. He said this side of Walters surprised him.

“I knew he was involved with all the research that our division does in sensors. And taking that knowledge to his hobby of photography, it made sense.”

The presence of eagles in Dayton was also unexpected.

“They’re great pictures,” O’Connor said. “I didn’t know we had an eagle population in the city of Dayton.”

Walters will sign copies of his book at Second Street Market, Dayton, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2390 or tgnau@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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