Bald Eagle Viewing

Last week I was treated to a visit from my friend Devan, who had made his way across Alberta and British Columbia to catch up with friends. Devan has recently started exploring wildlife photography with his new mirrorless camera system and had taken amazing shots of bison, caribou, and deer out in rural Alberta. The Pacific Northwest is in the midst of a dreary winter, so I was unsure whether there would be a good opportunity to take pictures.

Luckily Devan had been recommended a trip to Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park to view the overwintering bald eagles. I still can’t believe I’ve never heard anyone talk about this park! Access to the park itself in closed in the winter, but wildlife can be viewed from across the stream in Brackendale’s Eagle Run Park, just outside of Squamish. I’ve never seen so many eagles in one place before. Peak wintering-season starts in mid-December, but we still managed to see at least 40-50 eagles along the shore and treeline. We were also treated to a spectacular view of the mountains and several curious harbor seals floating along in the stream. I’ll definitely be spending more time in this area.

Photographing eagles at this distance pushed my bridge camera to its limits, but I’m glad to share what I can from this amazing day trip.