After what felt like an endless journey to my Ultimate Brown Bears of Alaska Workshop—from Montreal to Vancouver, then on to Anchorage, and finally touching down in Kodiak, Alaska—I was more than ready to settle into my hotel room. The travel day had been long, but the crisp Alaskan air beckoned. A brisk 45-minute walk to the grocery store seemed like a good way to stretch my legs and grab some essentials.
Bags in hand, I made the 45-minute trek back, eager to unwind. As I closed the curtains, a fresh cup of hot ginger tea in hand, I spotted a magnificent bald eagle perched regally on a garbage dumpster behind the hotel. What struck me immediately was its pristine condition; most city eagles look dirty and ratty.
My fatigue instantly vanished, replaced by a surge of excitement. I quickly grabbed my camera, knowing this was a moment I couldn't miss with the soft, overcast evening light. I spent a few minutes patiently waiting, hoping for that perfect shot with the Eagle staring directly at me. I made sure to stop down to f/22 to ensure both its piercing eyes and powerful beak were tack sharp. It was an incredible welcome to Kodiak, a truly unforgettable start to my Alaskan adventure.
American Bald Eagle UNBLINKING MAJESTY (Hailiaeetus leucocephalus, Pygarge a tete blanche, Pigargo americano BAEA) from my Ultimate Coastal Brown Bears of Katmai adventure workshop in Alaska. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @800mm ISO 6,400, f/22 @ 1/640s. Manual exposure. Full frame image.
