Why do they call Haliaeetus leucocephalus “Snow Pigeons” ?

I can understand why the folks in Haines call the Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Snow Pigeons.  There are so many of them!!

We have recently had the pleasure and thrill of attending Shorebird Festivals in Cordova, AK and Homer, AK.  Throughout our trek North we have been hearing that spring is about month early – Northern California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Yukon Territory and Alaska.  Unfortunately the shorebirds had worked this out for themselves, so we have caught the tail end of each migration.

Nevertheless we have had such fun – 5.5 boat rides to and from Cordova, beach hikes in Homer and Anchor Point.  The most prevalent bird? Yes the Bald Eagle.  Louise is still surprised each time she spots a Bald Eagle and doesn’t quite understand my ambivalence to them – unless they are in an unusual context or pose (how to make the usual look interesting).

So, here are a few of my recent shots of Bald Eagles, to prove to Louise that I do still like shooting them!

(Click on image to add to your collection)

Photograph of a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) posing, Homer, AK

Photograph of a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) posing, Homer, AK

Photograph of a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) posing, Homer, AK

Photograph of a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) posing, Homer, AK

Photograph of a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) posing, Homer, AK

Photograph of a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) posing, Homer, AK

Photography Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) at Anchor Point, AK

Photography Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) at Anchor Point, AK

Photography Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) having dinner at Anchor Point, AK

Photography Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) having dinner at Anchor Point, AK

Photography Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) having dinner at Anchor Point, AK

Photography Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) having dinner at Anchor Point, AK

Photography Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) having dinner at Anchor Point, AK

Photography Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) having dinner at Anchor Point, AK

Click here to go to my full Gallery for Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Gear: Nikon D4s, Nikkor 600.0mm f/4 VRII; Nikkor TC-17 EII, Lexar Digital Film, Really Right Stuff Tripod, Really Right Stuff Gimbal Head

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