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  • 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-3.psd
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 among 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.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
  • 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
  • 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. EDITORS NOTE: Image is a cropped version of Image ID I0000C8fO92kKcJE.
    Bald eagle dragging fish.jpg
  • Mount Kashagnak is reflected in Chilkoot Lake located in the Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site near Haines, Alaska.
    Chilkoot Lake reflection of Mount Ka...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 attack 2, Alaska Chilkat ...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 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
  • Scott Clem, a student from Auburn University, fishes for salmon at sunset on the Chilkoot River outlet from Chilkoot Lake near Haines, Alaska. The river offers some of the best salmon fishing in Southeast Alaska, with four salmon runs, starting in mid-June and ending in mid-October. The area is part of the Chilkoot Lake State Recreational Site located at the head of the Lutak Inlet in the Lynn Canal. It is managed by Alaska State Parks. In the upper reaches of the Chilkoot River Valley (not pictured) Alaska Power and Telephone Company (AP&T) proposes to dam the outlet of Connelly Lake, a high alpine lake above the Chilkoot River, for a hydroelectric project. Water from Connelly Lake would be delivered down the mountain to a powerhouse near the Chilkoot River into which the lake water would be discharged. Environmental concerns include the impact construction and project operation would have on fish spawning and rearing habitat (water turbidity issues), and bald eagles. Some of the main features of the proposed Connelly Lake project would be located in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and the Haines State Forest. The Connelly Lake Hydro Aquatic Studies Report for 2012 prepared by the Shipley Group for AP&T states that according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 41 percent of the sockeye salmon in the upper Lynn Canal come from the Chilkoot River with 25 percent of those salmon spawning in the Chilkoot River drainage above Chilkoot Lake. The value of the fishery is estimated at more than $1,000,000 annually. AP&T wants to build the project to replace the undersea cable that supplies Haines with electricity from Skagway.
    Chilkoot River fisherman at sunset 1.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 sun tries to shine through low lying clouds over the Chilkat River following a snowstorm 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. In 1982, the 48,000 acre area was designated as the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
    Chilkat River snow scene 1.jpg
  • Fog lifts from the Chilkat River valley near the Takhin Ridge mountains (background). The photo was taken from the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. Mountains in the Haines area are a popular destination for heli-skiing.
    Chunekukleik Mountain.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
  • DIGITAL COMPOSITE PANORAMA (multiple overlapping images stitched together): Four Winds Mountain near Haines, Alaska and near the border with Alaska and British Columbia, Canada rises out of low-lying clouds. This view of the mountain is from the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
    Four Winds Mountain panorama.jpg
  • Four Winds Mountain near Haines, Alaska and near the border with Alaska and British Columbia, Canada rises out of low-lying clouds along the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
    Four Winds Mountain above Chilkat Ri...jpg
  • Four Winds Mountain near Haines, Alaska and near the border with Alaska and British Columbia, Canada rises out of low-lying clouds. This view of the mountain is from the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Mountains in the Haines area are a popular destination for heli-skiing.
    Four Winds Mountain in clouds.jpg
  • Four Winds Mountain near Haines, Alaska and near the border with Alaska and British Columbia, Canada is bathed in afternoon sunlight. This view of the mountain is from the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Mountains in the Haines area are a popular destination for heli-skiing.
    Four Winds Mountain.jpg
  • Connelly Lake (center) is a 90-acre alpine lake near Haines, Alaska that drains into the Chilkoot River. Connelly Lake is the focus of a proposed $32 million, 12-megawatt hydroelectric project by Alaska Power and Telephone Company (AP&T). AP&T proposes to build a dam at the outlet of Connelly Lake that would create a 160-acre reservoir and a 6,200-foot-long penstock down the side of the mountain where water would be delivered to turbine generators located in a powerhouse near the Chilkoot River into which the lake water would be discharged. Some of the main features of the proposed Connelly Lake project (for example portions of the penstock, the powerhouse, access roads, and the transmission line) would be located in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and the Haines State Forest. Concerns include the impact construction and project operation would have on fish spawning and rearing habitat, and bald eagles. The eagles rely on the salmon that use the Chilkoot Valley in the fall and early winter when they are attracted to late spawning salmon runs. A hydro aquatic studies report prepared by the Shipley Group states that according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 41 percent of the sockeye salmon in the upper Lynn Canal come from the Chilkoot River with 25 percent of those salmon spawning in the Chilkoot River drainage above Chilkoot Lake. The value of the fishery is estimated at more than $1,000,000 annually. AP&T announced in June 2013 that it was putting the project on hold citing difficulty securing funding from the Alaska Energy Authority and the lack of community support. Despite these setbacks AP&T says that it not abandoning pursuing the project. In early September 2013, the Haines Borough announced that it was exploring possibly filing for a preliminary permit now that the project was no longer being pursued by AP&T. This photo of the ice and snow covered Connelly Lake was taken in mid-July.
    Connelly Lake, Chilkoot River - 1.jpg
  • Snow-covered Connelly Lake (foreground left) is a 90-acre alpine lake near Haines, Alaska that drains into the Chilkoot River (right). Connelly Lake is the focus of a proposed $32 million, 12-megawatt hydroelectric project by Alaska Power and Telephone Company (AP&T). AP&T proposes to build a dam at the outlet of Connelly Lake that would create a 160-acre reservoir and a 6,200-foot-long penstock down the side of the mountain where water would be delivered to turbine generators located in a powerhouse near the Chilkoot River into which the lake water would be discharged. Some of the main features of the proposed Connelly Lake project (for example portions of the penstock, the powerhouse, access roads, and the transmission line) would be located in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and the Haines State Forest. Concerns include the impact construction and project operation would have on fish spawning and rearing habitat, and bald eagles. The eagles rely on the salmon that use the Chilkoot Valley in the fall and early winter when they are attracted to late spawning salmon runs. A hydro aquatic studies report prepared by the Shipley Group states that according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 41 percent of the sockeye salmon in the upper Lynn Canal come from the Chilkoot River with 25 percent of those salmon spawning in the Chilkoot River drainage above Chilkoot Lake. The value of the fishery is estimated at more than $1,000,000 annually. AP&T announced in June 2013 that it was putting the project on hold citing difficulty securing funding from the Alaska Energy Authority and the lack of community support. Despite these setbacks AP&T says that it not abandoning pursuing the project. In early September 2013, the Haines Borough announced that it was exploring possibly filing for a preliminary permit now that the project was no longer being pursued by AP&T. The large lake in the background is Chilkoot Lake.
    Connelly Lake, Chilkoot River - 3.jpg
  • Snow-covered Connelly Lake (far left) is a 90-acre alpine lake near Haines, Alaska that drains into the Chilkoot River (right). Connelly Lake is the focus of a proposed $32 million, 12-megawatt hydroelectric project by Alaska Power and Telephone Company (AP&T). AP&T proposes to build a dam at the outlet of Connelly Lake that would create a 160-acre reservoir and a 6,200-foot-long penstock down the side of the mountain where water would be delivered to turbine generators located in a powerhouse near the Chilkoot River into which the lake water would be discharged. Some of the main features of the proposed Connelly Lake project (for example portions of the penstock, the powerhouse, access roads, and the transmission line) would be located in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and the Haines State Forest. Concerns include the impact construction and project operation would have on fish spawning and rearing habitat, and bald eagles. The eagles rely on the salmon that use the Chilkoot Valley in the fall and early winter when they are attracted to late spawning salmon runs. A hydro aquatic studies report prepared by the Shipley Group states that according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 41 percent of the sockeye salmon in the upper Lynn Canal come from the Chilkoot River with 25 percent of those salmon spawning in the Chilkoot River drainage above Chilkoot Lake. The value of the fishery is estimated at more than $1,000,000 annually. AP&T announced in June 2013 that it was putting the project on hold citing difficulty securing funding from the Alaska Energy Authority and the lack of community support. Despite these setbacks AP&T says that it not abandoning pursuing the project. In early September 2013, the Haines Borough announced that it was exploring possibly filing for a preliminary permit now that the project was no longer being pursued by AP&T. The large lake in the background is Chilkoot Lake. Beyond Chilkoot Lake is Lutak Inlet of the Lynn Canal.
    Connelly Lake, Chilkoot River - 2.jpg
  • Scott Clem, a student from Auburn University, fishes for salmon at sunset on the Chilkoot River outlet from Chilkoot Lake near Haines, Alaska. The river offers some of the best salmon fishing in Southeast Alaska, with four salmon runs, starting in mid-June and ending in mid-October. The area is part of the Chilkoot Lake State Recreational Site located at the head of the Lutak Inlet in the Lynn Canal. It is managed by Alaska State Parks. In the upper reaches of the Chilkoot River Valley (not pictured) Alaska Power and Telephone Company (AP&T) proposes to dam the outlet of Connelly Lake, a high alpine lake above the Chilkoot River, for a hydroelectric project. Water from Connelly Lake would be delivered down the mountain to a powerhouse near the Chilkoot River into which the lake water would be discharged. Environmental concerns include the impact construction and project operation would have on fish spawning and rearing habitat (water turbidity issues), and bald eagles. Some of the main features of the proposed Connelly Lake project would be located in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and the Haines State Forest. The Connelly Lake Hydro Aquatic Studies Report for 2012 prepared by the Shipley Group for AP&T states that according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 41 percent of the sockeye salmon in the upper Lynn Canal come from the Chilkoot River with 25 percent of those salmon spawning in the Chilkoot River drainage above Chilkoot Lake. The value of the fishery is estimated at more than $1,000,000 annually. AP&T wants to build the project to replace the undersea cable that supplies Haines with electricity from Skagway.
    Chilkoot River fisherman at sunset 2.jpg
  • Kayakers on Chilkoot Lake at the base of Mount Kashagnak are framed by tall fireweed. Chilkoot Lake is a popular fishing, camping and recreation destination near Haines, Alaska and the Lynn Canal. The lake is part of the Chilkoot Lake State Recreational Site and managed by Alaska State Parks. In the upper reaches of the Chilkoot River Valley (not pictured) Alaska Power and Telephone Company (AP&T) proposes to dam the outlet of Connelly Lake, a high alpine lake above the Chilkoot River, for a hydroelectric project. Water from Connelly Lake would be delivered down the mountain to a powerhouse near the Chilkoot River into which the lake water would be discharged. Environmental concerns include the impact construction and project operation would have on fish spawning and rearing habitat (water turbidity issues), and bald eagles. Some of the main features of the proposed Connelly Lake project would be located in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and the Haines State Forest. The Connelly Lake Hydro Aquatic Studies Report for 2012 prepared by the Shipley Group for AP&T states that according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 41 percent of the sockeye salmon in the upper Lynn Canal come from the Chilkoot River with 25 percent of those salmon spawning in the Chilkoot River drainage above Chilkoot Lake. The value of the fishery is estimated at more than $1,000,000 annually. AP&T wants to build the project to replace the undersea cable that supplies Haines with electricity from Skagway.
    Chilkoot Lake kayakers.jpg
  • The Chilkoot River outlet of Chilkoot Lake offers some of the best salmon fishing in Southeast Alaska, with four salmon runs, starting in mid-June and ending in mid-October. The area is part of the Chilkoot Lake State Recreational Site located near Haines, Alaska at the head of the Lutak Inlet in the Lynn Canal. It is managed by Alaska State Parks. In the upper reaches of the Chilkoot River Valley (not pictured) Alaska Power and Telephone Company (AP&T) proposes to dam the outlet of Connelly Lake, a high alpine lake above the Chilkoot River, for a hydroelectric project. Water from Connelly Lake would be delivered down the mountain to a powerhouse near the Chilkoot River into which the lake water would be discharged. Environmental concerns include the impact construction and project operation would have on fish spawning and rearing habitat (water turbidity issues), and bald eagles. The Connelly Lake Hydro Aquatic Studies Report for 2012 prepared by the Shipley Group for AP&T states that according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 41 percent of the sockeye salmon in the upper Lynn Canal come from the Chilkoot River with 25 percent of those salmon spawning in the Chilkoot River drainage above Chilkoot Lake. The value of the fishery is estimated at more than $1,000,000 annually. Some of the main features of the proposed Connelly Lake project would be located in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and the Haines State Forest. AP&T wants to build the project to replace the undersea cable that supplies Haines with electricity from Skagway.
    Chilkoot River fishermen 2.jpg
  • The Chilkoot River outlet of Chilkoot Lake offers some of the best salmon fishing in Southeast Alaska, with four salmon runs, starting in mid-June and ending in mid-October. The area is part of the Chilkoot Lake State Recreational Site located near Haines, Alaska at the head of the Lutak Inlet in the Lynn Canal. It is managed by Alaska State Parks. In the upper reaches of the Chilkoot River Valley (not pictured) Alaska Power and Telephone Company (AP&T) proposes to dam the outlet of Connelly Lake, a high alpine lake above the Chilkoot River, for a hydroelectric project. Water from Connelly Lake would be delivered down the mountain to a powerhouse near the Chilkoot River into which the lake water would be discharged. Environmental concerns include the impact construction and project operation would have on fish spawning and rearing habitat (water turbidity issues), and bald eagles. Some of the main features of the proposed Connelly Lake project would be located in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and the Haines State Forest. The Connelly Lake Hydro Aquatic Studies Report for 2012 prepared by the Shipley Group for AP&T states that according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 41 percent of the sockeye salmon in the upper Lynn Canal come from the Chilkoot River with 25 percent of those salmon spawning in the Chilkoot River drainage above Chilkoot Lake. The value of the fishery is estimated at more than $1,000,000 annually. AP&T wants to build the project to replace the undersea cable that supplies Haines with electricity from Skagway.
    Chilkoot River fishermen 1.jpg
  • A significant portion of the Haines State Forest pictured in this photo is under consideration for harvest. Known as the Baby Brown Timber Sale, the proposal by the Alaska Division of Forestry calls for 1,000 acres (20 million board feet) of Sitka spruce and  western hemlock to be harvested from state land. This photo shows a portion of the Baby Brown Timber Sale area near Haines Alaska between Glacier Creek (bottom), and Jarvis Creek (top). The Klehini River is at the right. Also visible is the Haines Highway (AK-7). The Baby Brown Timber Sale also includes forest land west of Porcupine Creek (not shown).<br />
<br />
The area pictured also shows land that Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. has leased mineral rights. Constantine Metals is also currently exploring the area above Glacier Creek. The minerals that Constantine’s drilling explorations have found are primarily copper and zinc, with significant amounts of gold and silver.<br />
<br />
If approved, the Baby Brown Timber Sale would be the largest sale in the Chilkat Valley since the 1990’s. The Division of Forestry estimates that the sale could generate 20 jobs directly associated with the harvest, $300,000 in royalties to the state. The economic impact of the sale to the statewide economy is estimated to $2,000,000.<br />
<br />
Conservation groups are concerned by the size of the sale and the impact a sale of this size will have on the watershed, fish, and wildlife. There are also concerns about the impact the harvest will have on the viewshed visible from the Haines Highway (AK-7) which has been designated as a National Scenic Byway.
    Baby Brown Timber Sale.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
  • 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) flies with a salmon carcass past ice covered trees sparkling in the golden light of sunrise at the confluence of the Tsirku and Chilkat Rivers in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. During November and December several thousand bald eagles come to the alluvial delta area at the confluence of the Tsirku and Chilkat Rivers 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 flying with fish in golde...jpg
  • The golden light of sunrise causes ice covered trees to sparkle at the confluence of the Tsirku and Chilkat Rivers in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. During November and December several thousand bald eagles come to the alluvial delta area at the confluence of the Tsirku and Chilkat Rivers 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.
    Golden light on ice covered trees.jpg
  • Ice slowly begins to form on 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. The mountain the background is Four Winds Mountain. Mountains in the Haines area are a popular destination for heli-skiing.
    Four Winds Mountain snow scene 3.jpg
  • Bald eagles feed on salmon in the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve in late afternoon light. 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 late afternoon light.jpg
  • Ice slowly begins to form on 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. The mountain the background is Four Winds Mountain. Mountains in the Haines area are a popular destination for heli-skiing.
    Four Winds Mountain snow scene 2.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 morning sunrise.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
  • 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
  • The sun envelopes the Chilkat River valley following a snowstorm 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. In 1982, the 48,000 acre area was designated as the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. In the background is Four Winds Mountain. Mountains in the Haines area are a popular destination for heli-skiing.
    Four Winds Mountain snow scene 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 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) 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
  • The sun envelopes the Chilkat River following a snowstorm 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. In 1982, the 48,000 acre area was designated as the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. In the background are the mountains that make up Takhin Ridge.
    Chilkat River snow scene 3.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
  • The sun tries to shine through low lying clouds over the Chilkat River following a snowstorm 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. In 1982, the 48,000 acre area was designated as the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
    Chilkat River snow scene 2.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
  • Snow blankets the Chilkoot River valley near Haines, Alaska. The Chilkoot River corridor between Chilkoot Lake and Lutak Inlet of the Lynn Canal is a popular sport fishing spot and a culturally important Tlingit historic site. The river area is also popular with grizzly bears who also come for the salmon who spawn in the Chilkoot River. While this concentration of bears makes for exciting bear viewing for visitors, the narrow corridor in which humans and bears must pass can lead to dangerous encounters. The Alaska Legislature has approved $1 million for a bear-viewing platform aimed at reducing encounters between bears and visitors to the scenic corridor. This area is part of the popular Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site.
    Chilkoot River snow.jpg
  • The Chilkoot River outlet of Chilkoot Lake offers some of the best salmon fishing in Southeast Alaska. Because of the salmon spawning in the Chilkoot River bears frequent the river to feast on the salmon. Care must be taken by visitors to the area to protect themselves and the bears. Bear and human conflicts have been increasing in recent years to the point that a special human free zone was established to give bears access to the river. In addition a bear viewing platform is under development to provide a safer location for visitors to view bears feeding in the river. The area is part of the Chilkoot Lake State Recreational Site located near Haines, Alaska at the head of the Lutak Inlet in the Lynn Canal.
    Bear zone warning sign along Chilkoo...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 portion of the Haines State Forest pictured in this photo (hill area in the center) is under consideration for harvest. Known as the Baby Brown Timber Sale, the proposal by the Alaska Division of Forestry calls for 1,000 acres (20 million board feet) of Sitka spruce and  western hemlock to be harvested from state land. This photo shows the Baby Brown Timber Sale area near Haines Alaska between Porcupine Creek (left) and Glacier Creek (right). The Klehini River is in the foreground. The photo was taken from the Haines Highway (AK-7). The Baby Brown Timber Sale also includes forest land west of Glacier Creek to Jarvis Creek.<br />
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The area pictured also shows land that Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. has leased mineral rights. Constantine Metals is also currently exploring the area above Glacier Creek (right mountain slope). The minerals that Constantine’s drilling explorations have found are primarily copper and zinc, with significant amounts of gold and silver.<br />
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If approved the Baby Brown Timber Sale would be the largest sale in the Chilkat Valley since the 1990’s. The Division of Forestry estimates that the sale could generate 20 jobs directly associated with the harvest, $300,000 in royalties to the state. The economic impact of the sale to the statewide economy is estimated to $2,000,000.<br />
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Conservation groups are concerned by the size of the sale and the impact a sale of this size will have on the watershed, fish, and wildlife. There are also concerns about the impact the harvest will have on the viewshed visible from the Haines Highway (AK-7) which has been designated as a National Scenic Byway.<br />
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EDITORS NOTE: This panorama image was produced by electronically stitching together multiple single images.
    Baby Brown Timber Sale.jpg
  • Tree branches covered with hoar frost are silhouetted against morning sunrise sunlight along the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska.
    Hoar frost.jpg
  • Early morning calm waters of Chilkoot Lake in the Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site near Haines, Alaska offer quiet reflection.
    Chilkoot Lake.jpg
  • Clouds lift from the mountains surrounding Chilkoot Lake located in the Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site, near Haines, Alaska.
    Chilkoot Lake clouds.jpg
  • A lone fisherman fishes at the outlet of Chilkoot Lake at the Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site near Haines, Alaska. <br />
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The Chilkoot River outlet of Chilkoot Lake offers some of the best salmon fishing in Southeast Alaska. Four salmon runs are an open invitation for bears to feast on the spawning salmon. At times, the Chilkoot River Corridor has some of the highest bear activity in the state. The Chilkoot River corridor area is extremely narrow with room for an equally narrow road with few pullouts for tourists and fisherman causing traffic and congestion. This creates a serious conflict between humans and bears.<br />
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The Chilkoot River ranks second in popularity for Southeast Alaska freshwater sports fishing. The area is also an important cultural area for the Tlingit people and site of a culture camp.
    Lone fisherman fiishing on Chilkoot ...jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (left) and Dr. Scott Ford, avian veterinarian, Avian Speciality Veterinary Services of Alaska (right), take blood samples from a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) captured in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Holding the eagle is Yiwei Wang, graduate student, University of California Santa Cruz. Blood samples are taken of the eagles to study for various things including chemical contaminants such as mercury. Rachel Wheat, graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz (not pictured) is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. The latest tracking location data of this bald eagle known as "2Z" can be found here: http://www.ecologyalaska.com/eagle-tracker/2z/ . 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 migration research - 24.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (left) and Dr. Scott Ford, avian veterinarian, Avian Speciality Veterinary Services of Alaska (right) take blood samples from a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) captured in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Holding the eagle is Yiwei Wang, graduate student, University of California Santa Cruz. Watching the procedure is Rachel Wheat, graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz. Blood samples are taken of the eagles to study for various things including chemical contaminants such as mercury. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. The latest tracking location data of this bald eagle known as "2Z" can be found here: http://www.ecologyalaska.com/eagle-tracker/2z/ . 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 migration research - 25.jpg
  • The back of a pickup truck shows signs of a successful moose hunt during moose hunting season. The truck was photographed near Haines, Alaska.
    Successful moose hunt.jpg
  • Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz uses calipers to take anatomy measurements of a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) captured in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. In this photo she is measuring the toe (hallux) claw. Beak measurements and toe claw length are two measurements that help determine the gender of a bald eagle. Female bald eagles typically have larger beaks, feet and talons. This reversal of gender size is called reverse sexual size dimorphism. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. Assisting Wheat with the measurements by holding the eagle is Yiwei Wang, graduate student, University of California Santa Cruz. The latest tracking location data of this bald eagle known as "2Z" can be found here: http://www.ecologyalaska.com/eagle-tracker/2z/ . 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 migration research - 14.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (center), attaches a solar-powered GPS satellite transmitter (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) to the back of a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) using a lightweight harness. Assisting Lewis with the attaching of the GPS satellite transmitter by holding the eagle is Yiwei Wang, graduate student, University of California Santa Cruz (right). Dr. Scott Ford, avian veterinarian, Avian Speciality Veterinary Services of Alaska (left), films the procedure using a Go-Pro camera. The eagle, captured in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve will be tracked by Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The latest tracking location data of this bald eagle known as "2Z" can be found here: http://www.ecologyalaska.com/eagle-tracker/2z/ . 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 migration research - 20.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, instructs Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz how to place calipers to take length and depth measurements of the beak of a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) captured in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Beak measurements and toe claw (hallux) length are two measurements that help determine the gender of a bald eagle. Female bald eagles typically have larger beaks, feet and talons. This reversal of gender size is called reverse sexual size dimorphism. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. The latest tracking location data of this bald eagle known as "2Z" can be found here: http://www.ecologyalaska.com/eagle-tracker/2z/ . 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 migration research - 11.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (center), instructs Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz (left) how to place calipers to take length and depth measurements of the beak of a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) captured in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Beak measurements and toe claw (hallux) length are two measurements that help determine the gender of a bald eagle. Female bald eagles typically have larger beaks, feet and talons. This reversal of gender size is called reverse sexual size dimorphism. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. Assisting Wheat with the measurements by holding the eagle is Yiwei Wang, graduate student, University of California Santa Cruz (right). The latest tracking location data of this bald eagle known as "2Z" can be found here: http://www.ecologyalaska.com/eagle-tracker/2z/ . 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 migration research - 12.jpg
  • Once leg snare and net launcher traps to catch bald eagles are set, it is a matter of waiting -- and waiting. On some days no eagles were caught, on others, only one or two were caught. The eagles were being caught as part of a research study being conducted by Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz. Wheat is studying the migration of bald eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. Once caught, solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) are attached to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. The eagles are then released back into the wild. Pictured here on the bank of the Chilkat River (left to right) are Dr. Scott Ford, avian veterinarian, Avian Speciality Veterinary Services of Alaska,  Yiwei Wang, graduate student, University of California Santa Cruz, Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Wheat. 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 migration research - 42.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (center), takes blood samples from a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) captured in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Assisting Lewis is Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz (left) and Yiwei Wang, graduate student, University of California Santa Cruz (right). Blood samples are taken of the eagles to study for various things including chemical contaminants such as mercury. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. The latest location of this eagle can be found here: http://www.ecologyalaska.com/eagle-tracker/4p/ . 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 migration research - 45.jpg
  • For a moment Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, thinks a bald eagle might be caught in one of the leg snare traps he placed in the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The bald eagles were being caught as part of a research study being conducted by Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz. Wheat is studying the migration of bald eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. Once caught, solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) are attached to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. 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 migration research - 58.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, tries to keep the bottoms of his frozen boots warm by standing on an insulation pad. Lewis was helping with the capture of bald eagles on the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The bald eagles were being caught as part of a research study being conducted by Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz. Wheat is studying the migration of bald eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. Once caught, solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) are attached to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. 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 migration research - 70.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service used leg snare traps and also a net launcher to capture bald eagles on the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Pictured here is a net launcher. The net launcher, sometimes also referred to as a ballistic net, uses three projectiles that are attached to a large lightweight net. A salmon carcass is used at bait in front of the launcher. A radio-controlled trigger to launch the net is used when an eagle lands next to the bait. The trap was used to capture bald eagles for a study being conducted by Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. 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 migration research - 85.jpg
  • Pam Randles, Takshanuk Watershed Council Education Director (center), reviews the previous day’s bald eagle count that her team of students conducted for their citizen science class at the Haines School with a team of researchers studying bald eagle migration. Rachel Wheat (left), a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. Wheat is tracking bald eagles using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal)  that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. Assisting Wheat with the capture, tagging and mounting of the transmitters on the birds are (from right to left): Dr. Scott Ford, avian veterinarian, Avian Speciality Veterinary Services of Alaska; Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; Yiwei Wang, graduate student at University of California Santa Cruz; Dr. Taal Levi, wildlife ecologist, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies and Dr. Chris Wilmers, associate professor University of California Santa Cruz (second from left). Also pictured (third person from left) is Liza Gross, freelance journalist. 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 count - 40.jpg
  • Dr. Scott Ford, avian veterinarian, Avian Speciality Veterinary Services of Alaska, comforts a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) captured in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Ford was assisting Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (back to camera) and Rachel Wheat, graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz (not pictured), in the processing of eagles Wheat is studying. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. Holding the eagle is Yiwei Wang, graduate student, University of California Santa Cruz. Helping with the recording of measurements taken of the bald eagle is Pam Randles, Takshanuk Watershed Council Education Director (left). The latest tracking location data of this bald eagle known as "2Z" can be found here: http://www.ecologyalaska.com/eagle-tracker/2z/ . 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 migration research - 28.jpg
  • Mosquito Lake State Recreation Site is 27 miles from Haines, Alaska. A small campground is located at the lake, in a Sitka spruce and Western hemlock forest. The also has a dock and a boat launch along with a picnic shelter.
    Mosquito Lake State Recreation Site.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (left), attaches a solar-powered GPS satellite transmitter (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) to the back of a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) using a lightweight harness. Assisting Lewis with the attaching of the GPS satellite transmitter by holding the eagle is Yiwei Wang, graduate student, University of California Santa Cruz (right). The eagle, captured in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve will be tracked by Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The latest tracking location data of this bald eagle known as "2Z" can be found here: http://www.ecologyalaska.com/eagle-tracker/2z/ . 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 migration research - 19.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, records information about a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) that was captured for a study being conducted by Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. 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 migration research - 33.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, gently resets one of the leg snare traps being used to trap bald eagles on the gravel bar of the Chilkat River. When a bald eagle lands on the hinged perch, a spring is sprung which tightens a looped cord around the eagle’s legs. Lewis, and Dr. Scott Ford, avian veterinarian, Avian Speciality Veterinary Services of Alaska (left) were assisting in the capture of bald eagles for a research study being conducted by Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz. Wheat is studying the migration of bald eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. 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 migration research - 41.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, walks on the gravel bar of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve after placing camouflage on a net launcher that he is using to capture bald eagle. The net launcher, along with leg snare traps, is being used to capture bald eagles that will be used in a study being conducted by Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. Pictured in the background is the Tlingit village of Klukwan. 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 migration research - 61.jpg
  • Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz (left) and Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, share a laugh about whether “Price Is Right” rules should be used for the game they invented on predicting when the next bald eagle would be caught. Lewis and Wheat were using leg snare traps and a net launcher to capture bald eagles on the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve for a bald eagle migration study that Wheat is conducting for her doctoral dissertation. Wheat hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. 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 migration research - 69.jpg
  • Above the Chilkoot River, a geologic rock formation resembles an eye. Some Haines, Alaska residents refer to it as the "Chilkoot River Eye."
    Chilkoot River Eye.jpg
  • Avian veterinarian Scott Ford places a salmon carcass as bait in front of a net launcher that will be used to trap bald eagles on the banks of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines. Ford was assisting Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. Wheat is tracking bald eagles using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. 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 migration research - 1.jpg
  • Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz holds one of the solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that will be attached to the backs of bald eagles in her bald eagle migration study. The 2.47 ounce transmitter, attached with a lightweight harness, will allow Wheat to see how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The transmitter will record location and other information every hour during daylight hours. That information is uploaded to the ARGOS satellite system into a database where the information can be downloaded for mapping and further study. The eagles in her study were trapped, measured, banded, and then released with the transmitters in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines. 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 migration research - 2.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (center) prepares to open the wings of a juvenile bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) so it may be photographed. Photos of a juvenile bald eagle’s molting, particularly in the head and tail feathers, can help determine its age before it reaches maturity due to the sequential molting pattern eagles experience during the first five years of their life. Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz (left), is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. Assisting is Dr. Chris Wilmers, associate professor, University of California Santa Cruz (right). Watching the procedure is Dr. Taal Levi, wildlife ecologist, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies (second from left). The latest tracking location data of this bald eagle known as "2Z" can be found here: http://www.ecologyalaska.com/eagle-tracker/2z/ . 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 migration research - 31.jpg
  • Once leg snare and net launcher traps to catch bald eagles are set, it is a matter of waiting -- and waiting. On some days no eagles were caught, on others, only one or two were caught. The bald eagles were being caught as part of a research study being conducted by Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz. Wheat is studying the migration of bald eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. Once caught, solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) are attached to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. The eagles are then released back into the wild. Pictured here on the bank of the Chilkat River (left to right) are Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (left), Wheat, and Yiwei Wang, graduate student, University of California Santa Cruz (right). 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 migration research - 56.jpg
  • Under a wary eye of a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (left), and Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz, reset one of the leg snare trap being used to trap bald eagles on the gravel bar of the Chilkat River. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. 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 migration research - 63.jpg
  • Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz (left) and Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, use spotting scopes to check on leg snare and net launcher traps they set on the gravel bar of the Chilkat River. The traps are being used to capture bald eagles that will be used in a study being conducted by Wheat. Once the traps are set, it is a matter of waiting -- and waiting. On some days no eagles were caught, on others, only one or two were caught. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. 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 migration research - 68-2.jpg
  • Under the setting moon, rising sun and a bald eagle flying above, Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (left) and Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz wait for bald eagles to land on the traps they set on the gravel bar of the Chilkat River. Each morning under the cover of darkness they would set their traps. The traps are being used to capture bald eagles that will be used in a study being conducted by Wheat. Once the traps are set, it is a matter of waiting -- and waiting. On some days no eagles were caught, on others, only one or two were caught. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. 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 migration research - 68.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (left), and Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz, demonstrate the size and reach of the net launcher used to capture bald eagles on the Chilkat River. The net launcher, sometimes also referred to as a ballistic net, uses three projectiles that are attached to a large lightweight net. A salmon carcass is used at bait in front of the launcher. A radio-controlled trigger to launch the net is used when an eagle lands next to the bait. The trap was used to capture bald eagles for a study being conducted by Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. 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 migration research - 73.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (left), and Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz, cross the snow-covered gravel bar of the Chilkat River to remove the traps they had set to catch bald eagles. Each morning under darkness they would set their traps. Then in the late afternoon they would remove them. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. 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 migration research - 74.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (left), and Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz, remove one of the leg snare traps they used catch bald eagles. Each morning under darkness they would set their traps. Then in the late afternoon they would remove them. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. 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 migration research - 83.jpg
  • Once a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is captured, a hood is placed on the eagle to keep it calm. Additionally, a wrap is placed around the eagle to protect its wings during body measurement collection and GPS satellite transmitter installation. Here Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz (left), Yiwei Wang, graduate student, University of California Santa Cruz (center) and Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (right) prepare to band a captured bald eagle that will be part of a migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River. The latest tracking location data of this bald eagle known as "2Z" can be found here: http://www.ecologyalaska.com/eagle-tracker/2z/ . 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 migration research - 6.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, positions a leg band on one of the bald eagles in the bald eagle migration study being conducted by Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz. Rivets will permanently seal the band around the eagle’s leg. The bald eagles in Wheat’s study receive two different leg bands. Along with a a bright green auxiliary leg band, the eagles in Wheat's study also receive a silver aluminum U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) leg band. The bright green leg bands have larger identification information than the USGS bands making it easier to read using binoculars or a spotting scope. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. Should the GPS transmitter fail or if the bird is found dead, spotted or recaptured, the leg bands can be another source of information. The latest tracking location data of this bald eagle known as "2Z" can be found here: http://www.ecologyalaska.com/eagle-tracker/2z/ . 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 migration research - 7.jpg
  • Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz (left), Dr. Taal Levi, wildlife ecologist, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies (center) and Dr. Chris Wilmers, associate professor, University of California Santa Cruz (right) hold up the wings of a juvenile bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) so it may be photographed. Photos of a juvenile bald eagle’s mollting, particularly in the head and tail feathers, can help determine its age before it reaches maturity due to the sequential molting pattern eagles experience during the first five years of their life. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. The latest tracking location data of this bald eagle known as "2Z" can be found here: http://www.ecologyalaska.com/eagle-tracker/2z/ . 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 migration research - 30.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, places camouflage on a net launcher that he is using to capture bald eagles on the gravel bar of the Chilkat River. The net launcher, along with leg snare traps, is being used to capture bald eagles that will be used in a study being conducted by Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. Pictured in the background is the Tlingit village of Klukwan. 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 migration research - 60.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (right), uses a spotting scope to check on leg snare traps attached to logs in the gravel bar of the Chilkat River. The traps are being used to capture bald eagles that will be used in a study being conducted by Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz (left). Once leg snare and net launcher traps to catch bald eagles are set, it is a matter of waiting -- and waiting. On some days no eagles were caught, on others, only one or two were caught. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. 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 migration research - 62.jpg
  • Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz (left) and Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, use spotting scopes to check on leg snare and net launcher traps they set on the gravel bar of the Chilkat River. The traps are being used to capture bald eagles that will be used in a study being conducted by Wheat. Once the traps are set, it is a matter of waiting -- and waiting. On some days no eagles were caught, on others, only one or two were caught. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. 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 migration research - 66.jpg
  • Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz (left) and Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, use spotting scopes to check on leg snare and net launcher traps they set on the gravel bar of the Chilkat River. The traps are being used to capture bald eagles that will be used in a study being conducted by Wheat. Once the traps are set, it is a matter of waiting -- and waiting. On some days no eagles were caught, on others, only one or two were caught. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. 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 migration research - 67.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (left), and Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz, cross the snow-covered gravel bar of the Chilkat River to remove the traps they had set to catch bald eagles. Each morning under darkness they would set their traps. Then in the late afternoon they would remove them. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. 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 migration research - 84.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (left) explains how he wants to position a juvenile bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) for a photograph that will help determine the age of the bald eagle. Photos of a juvenile bald eagle’s molting, particularly in the head and tail feathers, can help determine its age before it reaches maturity due to the sequential molting pattern eagles experience during the first five years of their life. Rachel Wheat, graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz (second from left), is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. Assisting with the holding of the bald eagle is Dr. Taal Levi, wildlife ecologist, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies (center) and Dr. Chris Wilmers, associate professor University of California Santa Cruz (right). The latest tracking location data of this bald eagle known as "2Z" can be found here: http://www.ecologyalaska.com/eagle-tracker/2z/ . 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 migration research - 29.jpg
  • Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz (left), Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (center) and Dr. Chris Wilmers, associate professor, University of California Santa Cruz (right) hold up the wings of a juvenile bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) so it may be photographed. Photos of a juvenile bald eagle’s molting, particularly in the head and tail feathers, can help determine its age before it reaches maturity due to the sequential molting pattern eagles experience during the first five years of their life. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. The latest tracking location data of this bald eagle known as "2Z" can be found here: http://www.ecologyalaska.com/eagle-tracker/2z/ . 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 migration research - 32.jpg
  • Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz (left) and Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, prepare to release bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) "4P" back into the wild. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. A handmade leather hood is placed over the bald eagle’s eyes to keep the bird calm. Leather booties protect the researchers from the bald eagle’s powerful talons during the process of taking measurements and attaching the GPS satellite transmitter. The latest location of this eagle can be found here: http://www.ecologyalaska.com/eagle-tracker/4p/ . 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 migration research - 49.jpg
  • Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, poses for a photo with bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) "4P" before it is released back into the wild. Lewis assisted Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz, with the capturing of bald eagles for her migration study of bald eagles that visit the Chilkat River. Wheat hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. A handmade leather hood is placed over the bald eagle’s eyes to keep the bird calm. Leather booties cover the bald eagle’s powerful talons to protect researchers during the process of taking measurements and attaching the GPS satellite transmitter. The latest location of this eagle can be found here: http://www.ecologyalaska.com/eagle-tracker/4p/ . 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 migration research - 50.jpg
  • Rachel Wheat, a graduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz (center) holds bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) "4P" as it is being prepared to be released back into the wild. Yiwei Wang, graduate student, University of California Santa Cruz (left), and Steve Lewis, Raptor Management Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (right), remove the leather booties that protected the researchers from the bald eagle’s powerful talons during the process of taking measurements and attaching the GPS satellite transmitter. Wheat is conducting a bald eagle migration study of eagles that visit the Chilkat River for her doctoral dissertation. She hopes to learn how closely eagles track salmon availability across time and space. The bald eagles are being tracked using solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters (also known as a PTT - platform transmitter terminal) that attach to the backs of the eagles using a lightweight harness. The latest location of this eagle can be found here: http://www.ecologyalaska.com/eagle-tracker/4p/ . 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 migration research - 51.jpg
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