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In early winter, thousands of bald eagles congregate along a section of the Chilkat River just outside of Haines. The spot is unique--an underground reservoir warms the water to prevent freezing and permit late-season salmon spawning. The multitudes of raptors, joined by bears, relish the feast, and birders and photographers from afar treasure the opportunity.
Haines is home to the American Bald Eagle Foundation and the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Each November, the community offers a festival filled with eagle viewing, presentations and a special eagle-release ceremony.
The 13th Annual Alaska Bald Eagle Festival runs Nov. 7 to Nov. 11. Organizers tout the event as the world's largest gathering of bald eagles.
"We've been blessed for thousands of years," said Dave Olerud, founder of the American Bald Eagle Foundation.
Between 2,000 and 4,000 eagles come to the three-square-mile area on the Chilkat River in October, November and December, Olerud said.
The 43-year Haines resident marvels at the process. The number of bald eagles corresponds to the size of the salmon run.
There are so many bald eagles in view along the river that photographers vie to compose a shot with the most eagles in one tree, Olerud said. The record is 50, he said.
About 200 to 300 people attend the festival, including many photographers and birding hobbyists, he said.
Festival speakers are a highlight for Olerud, who works at the foundation's natural history museum.
"I claim I have my doctorate's degree because I listen to every presenter," Olerud said.
Each year an Alaska eagle expert reports on current statewide conditions and numbers for bald eagles.
This year's keynote speaker and master of ceremonies is Al Batt of Hartland, Minn., a humorist and birder who has a radio show called "Birding with Batt."
Distinguished bird photographer Arthur Morris will lead photography classes during the festival.
Randall Compton of Fairbanks is the festival's featured artist. He produced the first Alaska Ducks Unlimited print in 1985.
A popular event at the festival is the release of a rehabilitated bald eagle into the wild, according to Christa Rayl, festival coordinator. The event is organized by the Bird Treatment and Learning Center Anchorage and the Juneau Raptor Center.
Another aspect of this year's festival will be cultural presentations from area Tlingit groups, said Rayl, who also works as visitor information coordinator at the Haines Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Festival participants drive from across Alaska or fly from the Lower 48, and Haines hotels and restaurants appreciate the business surge, Rayl said.
"It's an off season for us so it is an impact," she said.
Registration is $35 for one day, $75 for three days or $100 for five days. The price includes guided eagle viewing, access to Friday and Saturday festival programs, and entrance to the American Bald Eagle Foundation display and Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center displays. Alaska Nature Tours leads the guided eagle viewing--typically a three-hour bus and walking tour through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. A park ranger often works at the riverside, answering questions for festival attendees. People not registered for the festival can take the bus trip for $20.
For more information, visit www. baldeaglefestival.org or call 766-3094.
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