The chum salmon run on the Chilkat was a record low this year — just a fraction of the expected return. It’s impacted the whole ecosystem: eagles, fishermen and bears.
"Alaska Bald Eagle Festival"
Chilkat River fall eagle forecast on the rise
It’s eagle season in Haines. Raptors and bird enthusiasts alike flock to Haines for the Bald Eagle Festival, when the world’s highest concentration of eagles gathers on the Chilkat River. Last year, the bird count spiked — and numbers are even higher this year.
For the first time, the Haines eagle foundation is opening its aviaries to public tours
“So here’s where the public has never gone before!” said Raptor Curator Chloe Goodson as she led a small group of people into the collection of wooden sheds where eight owls, falcons, hawks and eagles live Tuesday.