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Bald eagles - Chilkat River, Chilkoot River, Alaska

107 images Created 27 Jan 2010

My bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) photography took place in two areas -- an area near the Tlingit village of Klukwan on the Chilkat River, and an area on the Chilkoot River just below Chilkoot Lake -- both areas near the town of Haines.

Bald eagles come to the area at the confluence of the Tsirku River and Chilkat River because of the availability of spawned-out salmon and open waters in late fall and winter. The open water is due to a deep accumulation of gravel and sand that acts as a large water reservoir whose water temperature remains 10 to 20 degrees warmer than the surrounding water temperature. This warmer water seeps into the Chilkat River, keeping a five mile stretch of the river from freezing. This area is known as the Chilkat Bald Eagle Council Grounds.

Photographers come to the Chilkat River in November and December to photograph one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. In 1982, the 48,000 acre area was designated as the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.

Over the years I have photographed a same bald eagle with white wing tips and white talons. This leucistic bald eagle has been spotted on both the Chilkoot River and Chilkat River for several years. This leucistic condition -- a condition of reduced pigmentation resulting in white patches can occur while the rest of the animal is colored normal. Unlike albinism, the eye color is normal.
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  • Two bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) fight over a salmon carcass along the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagles fighting in air.jpg
  • Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) fight over a salmon carcass along the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska.During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagles fighting in air-2.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) with white wing tips and white talons flies along the Chilkoot River in the  Chilkoot Lake State Recreational Site near Haines, Alaska. The white wing tips and talons are caused by a leucistic condition -- a condition of reduced pigmentation resulting in white patches. These patches of white can occur while the rest of the animal is colored normal. Unlike albinism, the eye color is normal.
    Leucistic bald eagle-2.jpg
  • A juvenile bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) sits in a tree and calls in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Juvenile bald eagle in tree.jpg
  • An adult bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) knocks down an immature (juvenile) bald eagle feeding on a salmon carcass on the banks of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. It takes four to five years for a bald eagle to develop the distinctive white head, tail and yellow beak. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Adult bald eagle knocks down immatur...jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) sits in a tree and calls in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle in tree.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) flies above the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle in flight.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) flies away with the head of a chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) carcass over the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle flying with salmon head.jpg
  • Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) sit and fly in the early morning fog in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle in tree in fog.jpg
  • Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)  in the early morning fog in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle in tree in fog.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) prepares to attack another bald eagle feeding on a salmon on the banks of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. Four other eagles watch the action from their perch on a log while it is snowing. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle attacking.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) flies above the Chilkat River as it snows in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle flying in snow.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) flies above the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle in flight.jpg
  • Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) sit on the bank of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. One of the bald eagles extends his one wing behind another bald eagle as it sits on a log. <br />
<br />
Tender moment or just a stretch? While it is easy to anthropomorphize that these two bald eagles are sharing a tender moment, most likely the eagle is simply stretching or cooling off. Bald eagles do not sweat so to control their body temperature they often extend their wings. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. <br />
<br />
Recently, Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan have begun exploration for a potential site of a copper and zinc mine in the Klehini River/Chilkat River watersheds. Some local residents and environmental groups are concerned that a mine might threaten the area’s salmon. Of particular concern is copper and other heavy metals, found in mine waste, leaching into the Klehini River and the Chilkat River further downstream. Copper and heavy metals are toxic to salmon and bald eagles.
    Bald eagle with wing extended.jpg
  • The head from a salmon carcass appears to be biting the tail of a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) as if flies from the banks of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Salmon bites bald eagle tail.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) picks its way through the trees as it flies along the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle flying through trees.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) drags a chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) onto the gravel bar of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle dragging fish.jpg
  • A pair of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) fly above the Chilkoot River in the Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site near Haines, Alaska.
    Pair of bald eagles in flight.jpg
  • A pair of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) survey the Chilkoot River from a tree in the Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site near Haines, Alaska. Bald eagles are monogamous. They return to the same nest site to mate with the same partner.
    Pair of bald eagles in tree.jpg
  • A windblown bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) sits in a tree in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Windblown bald eagle in tree.jpg
  • A lone bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) flies above the ice-laden Chilkat River during sunrise in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. Photographers from around the world come to the Chilkat River to photograph bald eagles. During November and December several thousand bald eagles are seen along the river allowing for ample opportunities to photograph the birds along with beautiful scenery that the area offers. In 1982, the 48,000 acre area was designated as the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
    Chilkat River sunrise with bald eagl...jpg
  • An immature bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) watches a mature bald eagle fly by along the bank of the Chilkat River as it snows in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. The red material on the beak of the mature eagle is from salmon that the eagle had been eating. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Mature bald eagle and juvenile bald ...jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) flies above the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle in flight.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) flies above the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle in flight-2.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) soars above the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle in flight-7.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) attacks another bald eagle with white wing tips and white talons as they fly above the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. The white wing tips and talons are caused by a leucistic condition -- a condition of reduced pigmentation resulting in white patches. These patches of white can occur while the rest of the animal is colored normal. Unlike albinism, the eye color is normal. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle chases leucistic bald eag...jpg
  • Close-up of the talons of a bald eagle as it flys over the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. The talons of an adult bald eagle can be as long as 1.5 to 2 inches in length. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle in flight talons.jpg
  • A juvenile bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) flies in the Chilkat River Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near the village of Klukwan in Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Juvenile bald eagle in flight-2.jpg
  • A juvenile bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) chases off a bald eagle from the salmon it was eating on the banks of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska.During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Juvenile bald eagle chases mature ea...jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) surveys the Chilkoot River from a tree in the Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site near Haines, Alaska.
    bald eagle in tree.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) flies in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle in flight-4.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) flies in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle in flight-6.jpg
  • A partially eaten carcass of a dead chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) lies in the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Partially eaten salmon.jpg
  • A bald eagle soars high above the Chilkat River valley in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle soaring.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) sits on a log on the gravel bar of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle in fog.jpg
  • A juvenile bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) challenges two mature bald eagles for the salmon carcass they are feeding on in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Juvenile bald eagle challenge.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) calls out as he claims a salmon fish carcass in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska.During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle calling-2.jpg
  • Two bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), one mature and the other a juvenile fight over a salmon carcass along the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagles fighting.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) flies away with the head of a salmon carcass over the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Eagle flying with fish head.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) prepares to land on a log the gravel bar of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle landing - 1.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) chases off a bald eagle from the salmon it was eating on the banks of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle chases off eagle.jpg
  • Photographers from around the world come to the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska to photograph bald eagles. Many participate in "photo tours" led by professional photographers as they photographers are doing. During November and December as many as 3,500 bald eagles are seen along the river allowing for ample opportunities to photograph the birds.
    Bald eagle photographers.jpg
  • Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) call while sitting on logs in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagles on log.jpg
  • Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) fight over a salmon carcass along the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagles fighting-2.jpg
  • Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) fight over a salmon carcass along the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle confrontation-2.jpg
  • A mature bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) defends the salmon carcass that it is feeding on from an attacking juvenile bald eagle along the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle confrontation-3.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) chases off a bald eagle from the salmon it was eating on the banks of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle confrontation sequence.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) checks for other bald eagles as it eats on a salmon fish carcass in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska. It was snowing slightly at the time the photo was taken. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle feeding.jpg
  • Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) sit on the gravel bar of the Chilkat River during a snowstorm in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagles in snow 2.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) flies above the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle flying over Chilkat River.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) sits on a fallen tree and calls in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle calling.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is reflected in the river as it calls out to claim a salmon in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle reflection.jpg
  • Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) fight over a salmon carcass along the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle standoff.jpg
  • Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) feed on a salmon carcass along the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagles feeding on fish sequence.jpg
  • Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) fight over a salmon carcass along the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagles fighting for fish.jpg
  • A juvenile bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) flies above the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Juvenile bald eagle in flight.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) with white wing tips and white talons flies along the Chilkoot River in the  Chilkoot Lake State Recreational Site near Haines, Alaska. The white wing tips and talons are caused by a leucistic condition -- a condition of reduced pigmentation resulting in white patches. These patches of white can occur while the rest of the animal is colored normal. Unlike albinism, the eye color is normal.
    Leucistic bald eagle.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) sits in a tree in the afternoon sun in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle in tree-6.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) sits in a tree and calls as it snows in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle in tree-4.jpg
  • Two bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) sit on the banks of the Chilkat River as it rains in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagles on ground.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is reflected in the river as it eats on a salmon fish carcass in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald Eagle.jpg
  • Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) fight over a salmon carcass along the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle confrontation.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) sits in a tree and calls in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska. Note that the eagle's breath is visible due to the cold. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle in tree-5.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) sits in a tree in the morning sun in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle in tree-3.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) chases another bald eagle above the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagles in flight.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) looks for a salmon to drag ashore to feed on. The bald eagle is standing in the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle looking for fish.jpg
  • The Chilkat River valley outside Haines, Alaska is a popular destination for photographers who come to the river in November and December to photograph one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. This aerial photo is looking up the river valley from Haines to the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and further to the border with Canada. Four Winds Mountain is located on the left and the Takshanuk Range on the right.
    Chilkat River valley aerial.jpg
  • This aerial photo of the upper Chilkat River valley taken above Mosquito Lake shows the upper portion of the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. At upper left is the Kelsall River valley. Identifiable mountains include: Hiteshitak Mountain (left of center), Tohikah Mountain (center), and Mount Raymond (rear right in sunlight area). During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Upper Chilkat River valley aerial.jpg
  • This aerial photograph of a portion of the "Council Grounds" is the primary area where bald eagles gather on the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. Bald eagles come to the alluvial delta area at the confluence of the Tsirku (center) and Chilkat (left to right) Rivers because of the availability of spawned-out salmon and open waters in late fall and early winter. The open water is due to a deep accumulation of gravel and sand that acts as a large water reservoir whose water temperature remains 10 to 20 degrees warmer than the surrounding water temperature. This warmer water seeps into the Chilkat River, keeping a five mile stretch of the river from freezing. Photographers come to the Chilkat River in November and December to photograph one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. In 1982, the 48,000 acre area was designated as the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. In the background are the mountains that make of the Takhin Ridge and Takhinsha Mountains. Chilkat Lake is pictured on the left, below the mountains.
    Tsirku River alluvial fan with Chilk...jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) feeds on a salmon on the bank of the Chilkat River as it snows in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle feeding on salmon.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) attacks another bald eagle with white wing tips and white talons as they fly above the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. The white wing tips and talons are caused by a leucistic condition -- a condition of reduced pigmentation resulting in white patches. These patches of white can occur while the rest of the animal is colored normal. Unlike albinism, the eye color is normal. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Leucistic bald eagle attacks.jpg
  • Attentive bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) sit on a snow covered bank of the Chilkat River looking for salmon to eat in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagles on Chilkat River bank.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) flies above the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle in flight-3.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) feeds on a still alive, flopping chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) on the bank of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. Note the white talons of the eagle which are caused by a leucistic condition -- a condition of reduced pigmentation. Unlike albinism, the eye color is normal. The birds feeding on salmon scraps are black-billed magpies. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle eating live salmon.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) with white wing tips and white talons flies above the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. The white wing tips and talons are caused by a leucistic condition -- a condition of reduced pigmentation resulting in white patches. These patches of white can occur while the rest of the animal is colored normal. Unlike albinism, the eye color is normal. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Leucistic bald eagle in flight.jpg
  • A partially eaten carcass of a dead chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) lies on the bank of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. Bald eagles feed on the salmon as they return to spawn in the river. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Salmon head.jpg
  • A partially eaten carcass of a dead chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) lies on the bank of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. Bald eagles feed on the salmon as they return to spawn in the river.
    Salmon head reflection.jpg
  • A partially eaten carcass of a dead chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) lies on the bank of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. Bald eagles feed on the salmon as they return to spawn in the river. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Salmon remains.jpg
  • This dying chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) is likely to soon become food for the bald eagles along the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. Salmon are born in fresh water, travel to the salt water ocean and eventually return to fresh water to reproduce. When the salmon return to fresh water to spawn, they begin to deteriorate in the fresh water. Salmon in this stage are referred to as kelts. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Dying salmon.jpg
  • Partially eaten carcasses of dead chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) lie on the bank of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. Bald eagles feed on the salmon as they return to spawn in the river.
    Salmon heads on river bank.jpg
  • The moon sets over the Chilkat River during sunrise in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. In 1982, the 48,000 acre area was designated as the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
    Setting moon on Chilkat River.jpg
  • The moon sets over Four Winds Mountain during sunrise in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. One of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world occurs in November along the Chilkat River. A close examination of this photo shows approximately 66 bald eagles on the Chilkat River gravel bar. In 1982, the 48,000 acre area was designated as the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
    Setting moon on Four Winds Mountain.jpg
  • An immature (juvenile) bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) stretches its wings in a tree in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Immature bald eagle stretches.jpg
  • The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska is the location of one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world each fall. In this photo, nearly 60 bald eagles can be seen in the cottonwood trees along the Chilkat River at the confluence with the Tsirku River. The 48,000 acre area was designated as a preserve in 1982.
    Bald eagles in cottonwood trees.jpg
  • This photo is part of a sequence in which a bald eagle drags a salmon from the Chilkat River only to eat it in front of the eagle that it dragged it up to. In this image (fourth of the tweleve image sequence) a second eagle continues to drag a salmon from the river towards the other eagle. The photo was taken in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle drags fish sequence 4.jpg
  • This photo is part of a sequence in which a bald eagle drags a salmon from the Chilkat River only to eat it in front of the eagle that it dragged it up to. In this image (eleventh of the twelve image sequence) the two eagles chase each other around in an attempt to drive the other eagle away. The photo was taken in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle drags fish sequence 11.jpg
  • This photo is part of a sequence in which a bald eagle drags a salmon from the Chilkat River only to eat it in front of the eagle that it dragged it up to. In this image (twelfth of the twelve image sequence) one of the eagles has dropped to the ground and stands firm, chasing the other eagle away. The photo was taken in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle drags fish sequence 12.jpg
  • Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) sit on the gravel bar of the Chilkat River during a snowstorm in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagles in snow 1.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) feeds on a chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) in the Chilkat River as it snows in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle eating salmon in river 3.jpg
  • Photographers capture the sunrise on the ice-laden Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska. Photographers from around the world come to the Chilkat River to photograph bald eagles. During November and December several thousand bald eagles are seen along the river allowing for ample opportunities to photograph the birds along with beautiful scenery that the area offers. In 1982, the 48,000 acre area was designated as the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
    Chilkat River sunrise photographers.jpg
  • A lone bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) flies above the ice-laden Chilkat River during sunrise in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. Photographers from around the world come to the Chilkat River to photograph bald eagles. During November and December several thousand bald eagles are seen along the river allowing for ample opportunities to photograph the birds along with beautiful scenery that the area offers. In 1982, the 48,000 acre area was designated as the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
    Chilkat River sunrise with bald eagl...jpg
  • Ice slowly begins to form on the Chilkat River at sunrise in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During November and December several thousand bald eagles come to the alluvial delta area at the confluence of the Tsirku and Chilkat Rivers because of the availability of spawned-out salmon and open waters. The open water is due to a deep accumulation of gravel and sand that acts as a large water reservoir whose water temperature remains 10 to 20 degrees warmer than the surrounding water temperature. This warmer water seeps into the Chilkat River, keeping a five mile stretch of the river from freezing as quickly as other rivers in the area. The 48,000 acre area was designated as the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve in 1982.
    Chilkat River sunrise 1.jpg
  • Ice slowly begins to form on the Chilkat River at sunrise in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During November and December several thousand bald eagles come to the alluvial delta area at the confluence of the Tsirku and Chilkat Rivers because of the availability of spawned-out salmon and open waters. The open water is due to a deep accumulation of gravel and sand that acts as a large water reservoir whose water temperature remains 10 to 20 degrees warmer than the surrounding water temperature. This warmer water seeps into the Chilkat River, keeping a five mile stretch of the river from freezing as quickly as other rivers in the area. The 48,000 acre area was designated as the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve in 1982.
    Chilkat River sunrise 2.jpg
  • A lone bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) flies above the ice-laden Chilkat River during sunrise in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. Photographers from around the world come to the Chilkat River to photograph bald eagles. During November and December several thousand bald eagles are seen along the river allowing for ample opportunities to photograph the birds along with beautiful scenery that the area offers. In 1982, the 48,000 acre area was designated as the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
    Chilkat River sunrise with bald eagl...jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) feeds on a salmon in the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle with fish in river.jpg
  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) sits on a log on the bank of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. During November and December several thousand bald eagles come to the alluvial delta area at the confluence of the Tsirku and Chilkat Rivers because of the availability of spawned-out salmon and open waters. The open water is due to a deep accumulation of gravel and sand that acts as a large water reservoir whose water temperature remains 10 to 20 degrees warmer than the surrounding water temperature. This warmer water seeps into the Chilkat River, keeping a five mile stretch of the river from freezing as quickly as other rivers in the area. The 48,000 acre area was designated as the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve in 1982.
    Bald eagle and Chilkat River ice.jpg
  • An adult bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) attacks an immature (juvenile) bald eagle feeding on a salmon carcass on the banks of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. It takes four to five years for a bald eagle to develop the distinctive white head, tail and yellow beak. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Adult bald eagle attacks immature ea...jpg
  • An immature bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), photographed along the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, begins to take on the features of an adult eagle. It takes four to five years for a bald eagle to develop the distinctive white head, tail and yellow beak. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle changing from immature ju...jpg
  • A group of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) feed on a salmon carcass on the banks of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
    Bald eagle group feeding - 1.jpg
  • Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) soar together in what is known as a kettle high above the alluvial delta area at the confluence of the Tsirku and Chilkat Rivers in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. It was estimated that there were over 100 bald eagles in the swirling kettle. During November and December several thousand bald eagles come the confluence near Haines, Alaska because of the availability of spawned-out salmon and open waters. The open water is due to a deep accumulation of gravel and sand that acts as a large water reservoir whose water temperature remains 10 to 20 degrees warmer than the surrounding water temperature. This warmer water seeps into the Chilkat River, keeping a five mile stretch of the river from freezing as quickly as other rivers in the area. The 48,000 acre area was designated as the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve in 1982.
    Bald eagle kettle.jpg
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