The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus Ieucocephalus) is found onlyon the North American continent. Adult eagles generallyweigh between 9 and 12 pounds and have a wing span of 7 feet. Females are slightly larger than males. Immature eagles are mottled brown and white. The distinct whitehead and tail of the mature bird is developed between 4and 6 years of age. Eagles do not live in isolation! Because they are at the topof the food chain, they become an irreplaceable indicator for measuring the the health of our entire ecological system.After being listed as an endangered species in 1978 followinga dramatic drop in population that began at the turn of the century, the Bald Eagle's status was upgraded to Threatened August 11, 1995. Although efforts to replenish populations ofthe Bald Eagle have been successful, it continues to be protected under the Endangered Species Act, the Bald Eagle Protection Act, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. 

Eagles feed mainly on fish, but water fowl, small mammals and carrion supplement their diet, especially when fish are in short supply. Eagles can fly up to 30 m.p.h. and can dive at speeds up to 100 m.p.h.. Their keen eyesight allows them to spot fish at distances up to 1 mile. Eagles swoop down to seize fish in their talons and carry it off, but can only lift about half of their weight. Bald Eagles can even swim to shore with a heavy fish using their strong wings as paddles. However, it is also possible that they can drown if the fish weighs too much.

Bald eagles mate for life and can reach the age of 40. Courting behavior begins in early April and often involves spectacular aerial displays of eagles diving and locking talons. Eagles lay from 1 to 3 eggs (commonly two) and the eggs usually hatch between late May and early June after a 34 or 35 day incubation period. By the end of the summer, the parent eagles begin to suffer from "empty nest syndrome" as their offspring can generally fly and take off to be on their own. Eagles migrate in winter and often roost and hunt in groups along waterways that don't freeze and have abundant food.

The Bald Eagles of Southeast Alaska's water-ways are magnificent birds of prey. Long admired for their aesthetic beauty and remarkable fishing skills, eagles are now being recognized for their biological importance as scavengers and predators in the natural environment.
The Chilkat Valley is year-round home for between 200 and 400 eagles. Over 80 eagle nests have been observed in the Eagle Preserve. By the time of the Fall Congregation the resident eagles are through raising their young, although immature eagles may stay near their parents for a year or more. Over 3,000 bald eagles have been counted within the preserve during the Fall Congregation. Bald Eagles are more abundant in Alaska than anywhere else in the United States with an estimated 30,000 birds. In the spring and summer, you can spot eagles along Alaska's coastline, offshore islands, an interior lakes and rivers. By late fall and early winter, eagles congregate at the critical winter habitat of the Chilkat River Valley. In this unique phenomenon, a natural upwelling of warm percolating water keeps the river from freezing allowing eagles to feed upon the late run of chum salmon. For centuries, the area where this gathering occurs, has been referred to as the "Council Grounds" by Alaskan Natives.