Birdwatching on the shore of the Salish Sea
You don't have to be an avid bird watcher to fall in love with these majestic birds.
The Majestic Bald Eagle of British Columbia, Canada are quite the sight to see. These majestic birds sit tall in the trees or on the shores just waiting and watching for their next meal. After all you don't have to be an avid bird watcher to fall in love with these majestic birds. This resident Bald Eagle that has its nest high in the trees on our property on the Sunshine Coast of BC is a frequent visitor down on our beach as it is watching the waters for its next meal. I was extremely lucky to be in the right place at the right time and see this gorgeous bird up close after coming in from fishing out on the water.
Where to view the Bald Eagle in British Columbia
There are many spots around British Columbia that you can view this amazing bird prey and you don't need to live right on the ocean. Just North of Squamish is the town of Brackendale which is home to Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park. Here you can view the Eagles while the Chum Salmon are running. For this reason it attracts Eagles from all over the Pacific Northwest and the Interior of BC from November to February of each year. Boundary Bay in Metro Vancouver is a year round birding hot spot, therefor Eagles can be spotted here all winter and into the summer. Harrison Mills in the Fraser Valley is home to the largest gathering of wintering Eagles in the world! The first thing to remember is it doesn't matter where ever you decide to go just make sure to bring your binoculars!
All About the Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle can grow to be 1 meter tall with a wingspan at over 2 meters. Young Bald Eagles are patchy brown and white for this reason it takes them 4 years to grow the ionic white head and tail that the adults have. The Bald Eagles diet consists of fish, birds and small mammals however they will also scavenge for food. They will also hunt for weak and old animals. Bald Eagles will use the same nest every year and in some cases their nest can weigh more then a small car! Did you know that Eagles can fly at 30 to 65 km per hour and can dive at 160 km per hour!
In Conclusion
In conclusion there are many places in British Columbia and around Canada that you can view this majestic bird. Therefore it doesn't matter where you go as long as you make sure to bring your binoculars and your camera. Take a stroll along the river or the ocean and you just might see one sitting in the tree or flying overhead. I hope that it gives you the same thrill that I get when I see them!
My Feature Photos
This Bald Eagle was taking flight from its perch on some drift wood on shore. Photo credit: Rene Coatta.
The Bald Eagle just after taking off as it heads out over the Salish Sea to look for its next meal. Photo credit: Rene Coatta.
A Bald Eagle perched on some drift wood looking out at the ocean. Photo credit: Rene Coatta.