JOURNAL 260630 - DISCOVERY ARCHIPELAGO EAGLE SHOW
The Discovery Archipelago EAGLE SHOW is one of nature's most wild, chaotic, exciting and memorable wildlife events on Vancouver Island. The archipelago occupies the Salsh Sea between Campbell River and mainland BC. where scores of islands and islets are separated by narrow channels, bays, and waterways. During the tide change an ocean of water pulses wildly through those restrictive narrow channels. With little room in the narrow passages the massive volumes of water erupt upwards in wild flurry of swirling whirlpools and treacherous white water rapids. From late May to early July the waters around Jimmy Judd island are host to migrating hake and they along with other bottom fish are violently erupted hundreds of meters to the surface. The sudden change in pressure is fatal, causing their bladders to explode out of their bodies leaving sumptuous smorgasbord of floating corpses for hundreds of waiting Bald Eagles.
Hundreds of Bald Eagles flock to the area in mid-May in anticipation of the annual event, and they wait patiently on the tree tops and cliff sides for the expected free-for-all. At tide change each pulse of the incoming tide fish are ejected to the surface and the feeding frenzy ensues. The eagles take to the air circling then diving and snatching their meal from the treacherous waters. The event usually lasts for up to two hours or until the eagles are so full they have to stop feeding.
When the dead fish hit the surface the eagles spring to action. Some soar directly like a cruise missle to snatch their meal from the turbulent water while others wait or circle until they spot a fish that they like. This is the moment boat loads of photographers and tourists are waiting to see. The razor sharp talons of the eagles easily hook into the fish, and the prey is uncremoniously extracted from the raging currents in a shower of bloody water. In times of plenty the eagle can safely escape to its favorite dining tree or rock to enjoy its prize. But, that is often not the case when fish are scarce.
There are times when fish are less abundant, and the eagles are hungry. It's dog eat dog time and kleptoparitism is on full display. At times multiple eagles spot the same prey, and it's a race for the prize.
But, being the first to the prize doesn't guarantee success. The pursuing eagles have other plans in mind and often use tag-team strategies as they relentlessly pursue the prize. The eagle with the fish is soon exhausted and forced to relinquish its hard-earned meal.
Despite the efforts of the pursuing eagles, piracy is not always successful. There are times when the intended victim successfully escapes and is free to enjoy its meal like the immature eagle in the next photo. The adult did pursue briefly but was not persistent in the chase. Perhaps it wasn't really hungry and just wanted to give the young one a scare.
The pursuit is usually over once the eagle reaches the safety of the forest because there is less room for the pursuers to attack.
The adult below also escaped to safety in the forest and was able to enjoy its midday snack.
While escape to the the forest or cliffside is mandatory for larger fish, there is an alternative for smaller fish, and that is to literally eat on the fly. The eagles are adept at transferring smaller prey from their talons to their bill then juggling the fish in mid-air. The eagles juggle the fish to position it for swallowing head first so the spiny fins of the fish don't get hooked in the throat or gullet.
FAQ
1. When is the eagle show? Generally, the eagle show starts in late May and runs through to early July, but that can vary year to year. June is probably the best bet.
1. How do you get to the eagle show? Numerous charter boat operators in Canpbell River cater to the eagle trips. Some are in Zodiacs while others are in solid, covered aluminum boats complete with toilets. For photography the best choice is a soilid boat with room to stand and move to adjust for the shot. In a Zodiac you are confined in your seat.
2. What's the best company for photography? There is no question. DISCOVERY WEST ADVENTURES is your best choice. It has a new *2025 30 foot landing craft with a drop down bow for loading. In the closed position the bow has a fold-up table that is perfect for resting your arms and cameras, and the captain specializes in eagle trips. He knows when and where to go and is proficient in holding the boat in the best position for photographers. As well, photo trips are limited to 8 passengers providing room for all the big lenses. Prices are usually above $250 plus fuel surcharge.
3. What's the recommended photo equipment? Any camera with at least 400 mm lens capacity should suffice especially for action close to the boat. Zoom lenses offer the best flexibility, but quite often the action is so fast that you don't have time to zoom in or out. I use a 500 mm lens with a 1.4x coverted giving me a 700 mm reach which is ideal for birds a little farther from the boat.
4. What camera settings are recommended? Fast shutter speeds of at least 1500 are essential for action shots. Controlling blowouts of the white heads is also critical. Set your white balance for full sun and dial your exposure compensation to down -1.0.
