Bald Eagle - Haines, Alaska (Chilkat River, Chilkat Eagle Preserve)

Watching the eagles displace each other for fish was fascinating. Sometimes they would get aggressive but often it was more just a display where they'd puff up and make some noise. The one in the back is a bit irritated from being pushed off but he'll be back for his next turn.

Boasting the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world (during their annual visit from Oct - Feb), Haines is the place to be to photograph these beautiful birds. Along the river, eagles congregate here to "hunt" salmon after their spawning migration has ended. Most salmon are weak and dying along the river, so it's easy hunting and the eagles know it!

This was taken on a trip meant solely for photography. We traveled to Juneau, Alaska by plane and then an additional three hours by ferry to Haines. The trip was organized by wildlife photographer Jon Cornforth.

For more information: Bald eagle, Cornforth Tours, Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve