“The Phoenix”

The following photo was taken near Harrison Mills, B.C., Canada.

The Harrison River Valley is a congregation for one of the largest Bald Eagle migrations every year. I had visited this area weekly from the beginning of November until the end of January hoping to capture a large number of eagles and possible photos. The eagles migrate from the farthest reaches of Alaska down the coast coalescing and feeding on the spawning salmon. Most of the eagles that I saw represented very distant photos appearing as numerous white specks among the gravel bars. Of course, time spent in the outdoors equates to the potential for good photos so I continued to make my presence weekly hoping to capture decent photos. With many weeks of unacceptable photos and many practice photos of capturing gulls in flight, I patiently waited for the opportune moment to photograph Bald Eagles in special moments. Finally, one day I approached my favourite viewpoint and there were eagles within a good range feeding and actively displaying aerobatic movements. I managed to capture many photos displaying the aggressive behaviour however I have chosen to showcase what I consider the art form of their wing display. The photo I am most proud to have captured is the photo of the mythological Phoenix display. The Phoenix bird is mainly associated with the eagle and it is used to represent renewal, and life after death. This is fitting since the eagles are in fact feeding on spawning salmon providing new salmon eggs and a new beginning….life after death.

 

I hope you like the photo.