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

One of the many bald eagles we saw along the river. Shot with a 500mm lens that was so sharp (thanks Canon) - you can see the approaching sunset along the mountains in the reflection of the eagle's eye. Absolutely stunning birds to watch, and each with its own personality, eagles are fascinating for hours... even in the November cold.

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