chilkat bald eagle preserve

chilkat bald eagle preserve印象

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  562charlieh

  What an adventure, I have watched Bald Eagle on the High Plans of New Mexico watch them soar and swoop down for their prey, but never have I witnesses so many. No matter where you were you could see hundreds of the majestic bird swooping down for the salmon. Mid air acrobatics and daring dives were the norm. The drive is wonderful an absolute must for everyone. Locals call them “Buzzards in Tuxedos” because they will hop around a carcass until nothing left.

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  miss_jl

  We were here in August and I wish we could have been here in November when ALL the eagles come in for the season! We saw a few eagles, but not as many as I would have liked

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  Madcatter10

  Spent a few hours in a raft floating down the Chilkat River (8 miles) and enjoyed seeing many Bald Eagles soaring over my head or sitting on logs watching us as we went by.Absolutely incredible!!! They are so beautiful and graceful.

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  IntrepidCaligirl

  We weren't there at the right time of year. Nice little nature walk but not many eagles to be seen during mid-August. Eaten alive by the mosquitos and other biting bugs - not sure it's worth the pain unless it's "high season" for the eagles (November, I believe)

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  ColdCorona

  The Chilkat valley is an incredible place and scenery regardless of the time of year but, if you want to see the most eagles, you have to come in winter when the salmon are spawning. The 'window' for best viewing depends on both the salmon numbers and weather, specifically the elevation of the river. The lower the river flow, the more salmon are available for the eagles. This window generally runs from November to December but can last longer into late January depending on the year. The preserve itself has several pull outs for viewing as well as a boardwalk area near the river with a lookout platform. There are two larger parking areas with the first (closest to Haines) having a park service style bathroom (no water). The best area for viewing varies based on where the eagles are feeding as well as the river channel distance from the viewing area. The river channels are braided and change every year so you need to drive the preserve first to get a feel for where the gravel and sand bars are that are closest to viewing shoreline. The eagles locations change throughout the day.Eagles are scavengers so will eat live or dead salmon as well as steal them from seagulls and other eagles. If you are expecting the eagles to snatch the salmon from the river, it is rare. The highlight of eagle watching is the aerial combat that takes place when incoming eagles attempt to push eating eagles off food. This can range from intindating lower strafing fly-bys to full on attacks with talons out and resulting the the feeding bird being knocked onto the ground or into the water. Occasionally, the defending bird will do a acrobatic maneuver that is basically a backflip and lock talons momentarily with the incoming bird.If just viewing, bring good binoculars. If there for photography, a good digital zoom will get decent photos since many eagles rest in the trees above the viewing shoreline. For professionals, recommend 500, 600 or 800mm lens as well as a 1.4 or 1.7 telecoverter (depending on what body you are shooting with). In both cases, take plenty of warm gear including pack style insulated boots.

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  284RobertC

  We tried to visit the preserve, but found the staff very unhelpful. It took them 10 days to answer an e-mail requesting basic information about the preserve. By that time, we made other plans to visit the Chilkoot River where we saw dozens of bald eagles.

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  evandbob

  After taking the fast ferry from Skagway to Haines, we boarded a bus and rode along the river. First stop was lunch at an overlook with fantastic views. A short ride later we were boarding our rubber raft for a float through eagle country. We saw eagles flying and landing in trees, sitting on logs or the riverbank, and one eaglet in a nest. Very entertaining, and very informative. Our guide Scott told us there were two land use proposals for this sector: the eagle preserve or an iron mine. I'm glad the eagles won out!

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  mllibrarian

  Eight people on a rubber raft on a shallow glacial river rowed by a young, strong, experienced woman. Instead of seeing eagles at a distance in the tops of trees, the eagles were on little spits of land also in the middle of the river. The eagles paid no attention to us as they watched for salmon. The sandwiches and cookies at the end really hit the spot.

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  665ericg

  In the fall, thousands of American Bald Eagles come to the Chilkat River for the last salmon run of the year. The salmon spawn up river, and the eagle claim the dead and dying fish floating back down river. Spectacular viewing of eagles fighting over the carcasses. Photographers' paradise. Easy to get there, as there is only one road out of Haines, and it takes you through the preserve. Several pulloffs from the highway for safe parking. Trail for walking along the river, but generally the pulloffs are where the action is at. No long trek to photograph the eagles. Get out of your car and start shooting.One of the pulloffs has restrooms. Most of the eagles are about 20 miles from Haines.

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  fishermen66

  Eagles and more Eagles rafting with Andy of Haines Rafting Company was well worth it. Andy was great with his knowledge of the area and wild life was very impressive. He was on time with excellent equipment. Don’t miss the Eagles