When planning our trip to Alaska, there were many things M & I wanted to see and do there, but observing Bald Eagles was not one of them. This was purely out of ignorance; I didn’t know Alaska was THE place to see Bald Eagles.
It was in Anchorage, a friend pointed out a bald eagle circling high! Their wide wing span, barely moving as it rode the air currents; the unmistakable white head and they are loners. We saw a couple picking fish entrails during low tide. Then, I did not have a zoom on my camera.
I noticed a few during our travels, but they flew high in the sky, or over the tree line in the distance. It was amazing to see how deftly they steered on air currents and imperceptibly tweaked their wings as they glided effortlessly.
Returning from our day long cruise seeing glaciers, whales, puffins and sea gulls, we got lucky. As the boat entered the harbor, the pilot noticed a bald eagle perched on a concrete piling. He idled the engine at a distance, allowing us ring-side seats to bald eagles (and I had my zoom on!). In a few minutes, its mate arrived (see opening pic). See how gracefully, yet determinedly it approaches the piling; notice the sharp talons and you realize this is a bird of prey.
The pair hung out for a few minutes surveying the water. Admire their pride, their piercing gaze. What majesty!
Then they flew away. Just look at those talons! WOW!
For these and all the wonders of glaciers and animals, I’d gladly walk a few more blocks than pollute the environment with a gas guzzler. For them, I use less, reuse and recycle. Do your part!
Our Alaska Trip:
Marathoner, Professor, Author, Citizen Journalist, Fitness Nut, Foodie, Meera's father, Hindu, Scientist, Photographer.
Hello, How lucky you were to see the beautiful Eagles. My boyfriend and I are thinking about a trip there. But wasn’t sure the right time to see them. What months are good to be able to see bald Eagles in Alaska? Thank you for your wonderful story! PeggyJean
Oh yes! We were thrilled to see SO MANY bald eagles in Alaska.
) I think it is harder for them to hunt in the winter when the waters freeze.
Spring and summer is a good time because they feed on the fish in the water
I personally think it best to go in early June BEFORE the school vacation starts and the crowds begin; also the prices are lower.. Also, consider early Sept when it may be cool but do-able and prices are lower.
As a bonus, we were there during the summer solstice when it was light ALL DAY! Go for it!
Thank you Rachna!
since then I have become a bird lover!
)
wow, beautiful birds indeed
Hi Maggie:
)
Great to hear from you!
We were in India and just got back!
Yes! I miss you and Helen and Victoria. hows the new place. Lets plan something during the “slow” August!
I need to take more pics of Victoria
Arun
Arun! Gorgeous pics of those majestic birds! I miss you!!! I hope you and M are well. Victoria told me she has seen you once or twice lately. I miss our little group..me you m helen victoria…ahhhh…we need to get together soon!
Maya -
Thankyou for visiting; Heh! Was in Kumta and BaaD earlier this week. Its beautiful!
Thanx for sharing this with us…Must say in each pic, they really look royal.
Beautiful Pictures Arun. We were in Haines, Alaska (home to annual Bald Eagle festival hosted by American Bald Eagle foundation) and watched tons of bald eagles preying on Salmons of Chilkat river valley. simply beautiful. Yes, I try my best to follow the 3 R’s – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
On a different note, are you back from your India trip? I haven’t replied back to your email thinking that you won’t be back from India for a while now.
Viji
arunaH uvacha:
Thank you VIji; Wow! A Bald eagle festival? Sounds like really an eagle nirvana! Do you have a lot of pics?
we are still in India and will return in a couple of weeks. fun fun!
Great pictures Arun. Thanks for sharing this. Isn’t it such a tragedy that some want to start drilling for oil in Alaska?
arunaH uvacha:
gopal – great to hear from you. Hope you are all doing well.
Yeah! Drive smaller cars, hybrids and use less! How do you like your hybrid?
They look so strong and attentive! Thanks for sharing this with us. Hope you had fun visiting Alaska…. and yeah let’s save our Mother Earth, Reuse and Recycle…
arunaH uvacha:
thank you Padma; Alaska was a fabulous once in a lifetime trip! WoW!
we are currently in mumbai!
I have to say this before I can read the whole post. Both of them look so majestic!!!! I have to show this to my brother.
arunah uvacha:
Lakshmi:
yes, fabulous, no? We loved Alaska! And hope your brother enjoys too!
I have liked very much your blog, am very interesting and the photos are brilliant.
A greeting from Barcelona.