We were blessed to see several bald eagles during our cross-country drive through several national parks and our cruise to Alaska. Seeing these magnificent birds never gets old, but seeing them along the shores of Olympic National Park felt especially special. It seemed like these beaches were the perfect habitat for eagles, with towering sea stacks to perch on, ancient trees rising from the rainforests, and an abundance of food along the coastline and in the surrounding waters.
The second image captures a moment I will never forget. A bald eagle flew directly over me with some sort of waterfowl clutched in its talons. I’ve seen and photographed many eagles carrying fish, and I’ve seen images taken by others of eagles carrying waterfowl, but this was the first time I had ever photographed one myself. Watching that eagle soar overhead with its prize was a powerful reminder that we were walking through a landscape where these incredible birds truly reign.
Standing on those beaches, surrounded by sea stacks, ancient forests, crashing waves, and soaring eagles, I felt like we had stepped into the eagle’s domain. There was something wild and majestic about being there, witnessing these magnificent birds living so freely in one of the most beautiful places we visited.