Photograph by user Tambako The Jaguar, Flickr
The sight and sound of up to 8,000 massive wings beating in the Alaskan air before you is an enthralling experience to behold. The majestic bald eagle, our Nation’s state bird, congregates with its peers upon Alaska’s wintery plains in a demonstration of beauty and power. They are the unwavering subject of photography and admiration at the 19th annual Alaska Bald Eagle Festival in Haines, Alaska.
- November 11-17, 2013
- American Bald Eagle Foundation, at the corner of Second Avenue and the Haines Highway.
- Pricing varies. See list here: http://baldeagles.org/festivalcosts
The American Bald Eagle Foundation Natural History Museum marks the territory for the festival, housing intricate dioramas, the gift shop, and live raptor feeding presentations. Free transportation takes festival-goers to the eagle preserve, where all the winged magic begins. Photography workshops help guests give their everlasting memories a stunning edge by capturing all of the bird’s avian splendor.
Entertainment showcases native culture with the art of local Tlingit wood carver Wayne Pierce, and the Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Dancers. Live bird demonstrations soar throughout the festival, leading up to one special moment: the flight for freedom eagle release. The highlight of the festival, one eagle is ceremoniously released back into the wild and an auction is held to raise funds for the protection and rehabilitation of these magnificent birds.