In Search of Eagles

The home of the "chain saw"

The Diamond Willow Studio

Chris & Jane were given a GREEN ROSE.

by the owner of the Studio.

Today we went in search of the bald eagle. We left the campground, and headed north on Sterling Highway. We were headed towards Skilak Lake, some 20 or so miles away, where Chris had read there are supposed to be many eagles.

We entered the park and then drove another 12 miles to the lake on a gravel road, that on occasions left more than a little to be desired. We were looking for Jim's Landing, where the eagles were said to be. Jim's Landing turned out to be at the end of the loop road, and we could have got there from the other end of the loop via Sterling Highway, without driving on the gravel road. Oh well, it was a pretty drive...

Of course once there, despite some hard searching, not an eagle to be seen.

We then drove back to Soldotna, stopping off at a diamond willow wood shop. There we met the owner, and artist, who makes walking sticks and wood bowls. He was a knowledgeable old chap, who was more than happy to show us his workshop, and all the goodies that he has found in the area, such as mastodon tusks, petrified wood, and fossilised teeth. All millions of years old. Jane of course, was in her element. He also told us that if we wanted to photograph eagles, to go to the town land-fill, just south of Soldotna. So that was our next stop.....almost. It was now lunch time, and we had spied a small bakery opposite the campground in Soldotna. Mark parked the car at the back of the store, and we wondered round to the front. After going through the front door, it quickly became apparent that it was no bakery, but a smart restaurant. We were shown to a table, where we had a great lunch. So much for just buying something to take with us from the bakery. So, after the unexpected extended lunch stop, we continued on to the the town dump. Once there it wasn't long before we were rewarded with our first sighting. A young eagle high up in a tree. After a few shots were taken, he flew off, and so we began searching for another. It wasn't long before Jane shouted "there's one". Sure enough, sitting on a dead tree stump, another youngster. More photographs, though Mark, trying to get a good shot with his huge lens and using the tripod, missed out again, as it flew off just as he was getting ready. We had four sightings in all, though not sure whether we saw four different birds. We saw at least two different birds, as they were spotted at the same time.

Bald Eagle.

Mark said he was about 2years old

What a sight, a huge bald eagle in flight.