Seeker Bio
The Majestic Bald Eagle of British Columbia
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.
The Majestic Bald Eagle on the Shores of the Salish Sea
Visit the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada
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Comments 17
That's absolutely amazing how fast they can dive! Great article and cool photos!
Thank you so much! I find it crazy how fast they can dive especially for how large they are!
Thank you for sharing your Bald Eagle adventures. It is a big part of growing up on the westcoast.
I am so jealous that you have a Bald Eagle nest on your property! Birding along the Sunshine Coast is great. Have you been to Mission Point near Davis Bay? This is one of my favourite spots, and it too has a Bald Eagle nest nearby.
Amazing photos of Eagles in flight! I have nests Bald Eagles next to my home in Torbay as well!
Thank you so much! They are so much fun to watch!
Sone how we know Sonya Richmond would dig this article by Rene Coatta . She is our resident Birdologist.
EH Canada Marketing Group There has been so much exciting birding content recently - from Tania Stewart's stories of tame American Crows, to Cedar Waxwings in Nicola Valley, to Bald Eagles on the Sunshine Coast. This is so exciting!!
I agree Sonya, it is so exciting to see all this birding content here. Just love to see birds in action.
As you point out, Rene, we are fortunate in the lower mainland of BC to have several places to easily see eagles. You've captured some nice shots there!
Thank you so much! Growing up in the prairies I never got to see them like I get to see them here on the coast! They really are so amazing to see!
EH Canada Marketing Group Thank you so much! It really is, I grew up on the prairies and we would see them there but nothing like what you see out West here!
EH Canada Marketing Group I love it, I thought she might like it! wink)
Sonya Richmond It is pretty amazing to watch these guys every day, I definitely feel spoiled getting to see them up close like this! No I have never been there but would definitely love to one day!
Such great pictures Rene! I love seeing the bald eagles. Thank you for sharing the story, I had no idea that Harrison Mills has that largest winter eagles in the world. That is absolutely amazing.
Very interesting article. Your action shots are great!
Then of course there are the Vancouver Landfill eagles, but moving along, here on Vancouver Island, Goldstream Park estuary in January after the salmon run is a great place to see them too.
Wonderful article Rene, and so interesting to read it takes eagles 4 years to grow up!