(ʔayajuθəm) - q̓aykʷ | Eagle
(ʔayajuθəm) - q̓aykʷ:
Eagle
Where do eagles live, and what is their habitat like?
Eagles are powerful and respected birds that live along the coastlines, rivers, and lakes of the Pacific Northwest, where they find plenty of fish and tall trees for nesting. Often seen soaring high above the water or perched in ancient cedars and firs, the Bald Eagle builds massive nests—called aeries—that can be reused and added to for many years. They thrive in areas with clean water, abundant salmon, and minimal disturbance, making places like the Great Bear Rainforest and the shores of Vancouver Island ideal habitat. For many, the eagle holds deep spiritual meaning and is honoured as a messenger between the physical and spirit worlds.
Bald eagles are most active during salmon runs, when they gather in large numbers along rivers and estuaries to feed. Their sharp eyesight allows them to spot prey from high in the sky, and they use their strong talons to catch fish from the water’s surface. In the colder months, they may also scavenge, feeding on carrion or the remains of animals left by other predators. Despite their strength, bald eagles are sensitive to changes in their environment—clean water, healthy fish populations, and undisturbed nesting sites are essential for their survival. Protecting their habitat helps ensure these iconic birds continue to soar over the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest for generations to come.
What do eagles eat, and how do they find food?
Eagles are skilled hunters and opportunistic feeders, with a diet that depends on the season and what’s available in their environment. In the Pacific Northwest, their primary food source is fish, especially salmon, which they catch by swooping down and snatching from the water with their sharp talons. They also eat waterfowl, small mammals like rabbits or muskrats, and sometimes even other birds. In colder months, when fresh prey is harder to find, eagles will scavenge carrion—feeding on dead animals or leftovers from other predators, including wolves or bears.
To find food, eagles rely on their incredible eyesight, which is among the sharpest in the animal kingdom. They can spot fish or small animals from hundreds of feet in the air while gliding silently above lakes, rivers, and coastlines. Once they see their prey, they dive at high speed, often surprising their target. Eagles also take advantage of natural events like salmon spawning seasons, when fish are abundant and easy to catch in shallow streams. Their ability to adapt their hunting methods and diet to different conditions is a big part of why they thrive in the rich ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest.
What are some surprising or little-known facts about eagles?
They build massive nests!
A beaver’s front teeth are orange because they contain iron, which makes them extra strong. Since their teeth grow continuously, beavers must constantly gnaw on wood to keep them from getting too long.
They can fly incredibly high!
Eagles have been recorded flying at altitudes over 3,000 metres (10,000 feet), soaring on thermal air currents for long distances without flapping their wings.
They’re a conservation success story!
Bald eagle populations were once in serious decline due to habitat loss and pesticide use (like DDT). After decades of protection, they’ve made a remarkable comeback and are no longer endangered in most areas.
