Bald Eagle Season
Bald Eagles in Squamish B.C Canada
Welcome back to my blog and thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog and browse my photos. I am truly happy to say that this is one of the best times of year for me to photograph in Squamish. Although the weather has changed drastically and the light is not as good for landscapes the mighty bald eagles have come to feast on Salmon in the Squamish, Mamquam and Cheakamus River. Its a special time if your a nature lover. Since I was a child the Bald Eagle has always been my favourite bird. When I moved out West I fell in love with photographing them every winter. Now that I am a professional photographer this is an important time of year for me to be productive behind the lens.
I am now offering private photography tours of the area to people who wish to improve their photography and get to the best local spots. I offer this on Air bnb Experience but also through word of mouth and local advertising. I will be taking single guests and small groups to the most beautiful and photogenic areas around Squamish and to the most condensed Eagle viewing areas to get the best photos possible while helping you improve your photography skills. I offer this service to amateurs who want to get better at photography , intermediates who need a little help going pro and to professionals who need to get into the best local spots to improve their portfolio.
Although I can’t share all the special spots with you today I will share some of the most popular Eagle viewing locations and some of the ethics behind eagle viewing. Also enjoy a few Eagle photo tips.
- Brackendale – Along the dyke in Brackendale is a great way to view large amounts of Eagles. They will be across the river but this is a great way to watch their behaviour since they are so many of them. Then you can also enjoy a nice lunch at the Watershed Bar and Grill ( I recommend the Salmon Burger )
- Mamquam River – The Mamquam river runs right through town and you can see the Eagles randomly throughout sections of the river where the Salmon are being washed up. Here they may be less in numbers but you can get a little closer.
- Squamish Estuary Trails – One of the most special areas in town for bird viewing. Here the Eagle numbers won’t be the most condensed because they are on the river banks but you can often see the Eagles flying in from all over the coast.
- Squamish Valley – The Valley is long and narrow and Eagles can be found all over the river banks. There are a lot of pullouts with less crowds and you can get the true essence of the mighty Squamish River. (Fun fact is I designed my Logo after the upper Squamish Valley)
- Don’t get to close – Eagles are very solitary birds and depend on a certain amount of fish to eat per day to survive. If you get to close when they are feeding this can harm there feeding patterns.
- Use Binoculars – This allows you to get the full behaviours of the birds without getting to close and harming their ability to feed.
- Use the Camera You Have – Get out there and use the camera that you have already. You don’t need professional equipment to get great eagle photos.
To get the best experience you may have to put up with some bad weather. If you want the best photos you will have to have great patience as the light is not always the best. When the light isn’t great and I need to still get some photos I tend to like the photos of the eagles flying out of the mist. You have to take the best photo available and sometimes that means improvising.
For more information about private photography tours and photography lessons you can e mail me at n.sopczak.photo@gmail.com and as always please visit and share my website www.nicksopczakphotogrpahy.com with other photographer lovers. I am always looking to improve my business, my service and art form. I love advice and am always open to learning. I also love helping others finding their passion and live it. However I can help please let me know. I am always looking to connect like minded people and support conservation projects with my images. If you know anyone working with conservation initiatives that would appreciate my work please connect me!
My best
Nick Sopczak
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