I don't get excited too often about things. I'm a fairly steady guy that takes things in stride. Not much surprises me so when I am, it's a big deal. Photography isn't any different. When I go to a location that knocks my socks off, take notice. It doesn't happen often. Homer Alaska in winter is one of those places.

I went to Homer Alaska with the exclusive objective to shoot images of Bald Eagles. I wasn't interested in anything else and wasn't even aware if Homer had anything else to offer. I only knew Homer was world famous for its Bald Eagles. These majestic creatures congregate here during the entire winter because of one woman--Jean Keen. She's a fireball that lived in a tiny compound at the end of a finger of land that jutted into a bay near Homer--called the Homer Spit.

If you'd happen upon the location, you'd immediately notice how inconspicuous it was. Jean lived in an ancient trailer in a minature compound at the end of this sliver of land. She lived throughout the winter at this location spending every morning setting out food for local Bald Eagles. By the afternoon the morning frenzy was subdued. The first time I visited was in the afternoon and in early March. By then, there was little action except for a couple dozen eagles perched on lamp posts, trees, and such. They appeared to be waiting for more food but none was forth-coming. Jean's doing a good thing for her "kids". They may all depend on her for their sustinance during the winter. Several would not survive the challenges of the winter if it weren't for Jean. Despite this, there were those that disagreed with her affect on the local natrual conditions. I believe among the city and urban conditions of Homer, Bald Eagles exsisted solely because of her efforts. I commend her for the commitment and love she shows for her birds.

For the photographer, the eagle proximity was incredible. Without leaving the comfort of your vehicle, head and shoulder shots were readily available. The protocal for working among the eagles was obvious. Signs around the parking areas clearly stated "Eagle Feeding Area, Leaving Your Vehicle Will Disturb the Eagles. Please Stay In Your Car". There's a legend that Jean was very particular about this rule and enforced it with great conviction. I didn't see the fuss. The birds were close enough without having to leave your vehicle. So, why leave it? I guess some people don't pay attention to direction regardless what it may affect.

The sunlight was fleeting that first day. Clouds were coming and going but mostly, it steadily illuminated my subjects. I was hoping for a bit more consistant light. Little did I realize how precious any light would be the next three days. Out of my 3.5 days at Homer, I saw about four hours of daylight. Oh well... I guess it wasn't unexpected that time of the year.

Homer was only 100 miles south of Anchorage. By Twin Otter, it was only a 2 hour reguarly scheduled flight away. Unfortunately, there are some things you have to realize when flying such aircraft. Twin Otter's have tremendous passenger capacity. Unfortunately, when there are lots of passengers, there isn't much space for luggage. In my case, none of my checked baggage arrived when I did. In fact, it didn't appear until the last flight of the day when a much larger DC-4 was used. The worse part of the experience was fretting over the contents. You see, half of my camera equipment including my 500mm f/4 AF-S didn't make my arrival. I was left with my carry-on luggage. Fortunately, I had my 300mm f/2.8 AF-S and both my Nikon F5's. An afternoon without checked luggage wasn't a total loss. Anyone going to Homer should realize this could happen. Rental car arrangements can be made with the local guys--Polar Bear Rentals--or with my choice, Hertz. The price wasn't a factor. Both locations advertised the same prices. Expect to pay twice what you may in a large city. Rental cars led the charge in the expensive cost of living in Homer. Oh well, the cost of visiting the middle of nowhere.

There were several lodging establishments throughout the town. I chose the Ocean Shores Motel because of a recommendation and its advertisement on the web. The rooms were clean and the prices weren't high. I'll definately go back the next time. Everything you'd expect in restraunts were in Homer. Okay, not everything but enough of a variety to keep most tastes satisfied for a few days. One, not to miss location is the Salty Dog Saloon. It's out on the Homer Spit with a lighthouse twirling around in a tower on the roof. The bar is dark, loud, and perhaps a bit off-beat. It sure fit my style. You'll learn lots about the town in that bar. The only bad thing was it was open between the first weekend in March and the last of November. Make it if you can.

Back to shooting eagles. The main event for shooting Bald Eagles in Homer was feeding time at Jean's trailer. While I was there, she started feeding at 9:30 every morning. Easily, 100 birds were waiting for the feast to begin. From sunrise on, birds were flying in from all across the bay. Few if any Bald Eagles roost the night on the Spit. Most seem to retreat to the mountains across the bay. Boy, when they fly in they are there. Wingspans up to 14' long was impressive. To see so many together at one time... Wow! By the time feeding starts, the birds looked ready. They weren't overly eager. Just stately in their nature. The fish were thrown out and the commotion began. First the Herring Gulls dived on the feast while the Bald Eagles examined the situation. After a bit, the first Eagle jumped into the fray. Without confrontation, the Herring Gulls conceeded their prime positions to the eagle. Soon, another, then another, and another joined the meal. Soon, forty or fifty birds were feeding. Birds were landing, takeing off, soaring over-head, fighting over scraps, sooo much stuff was going on. Literally it was sensory over-load. Trying to take in the entire scene was a futile effort. Too many things were going on to soak it all in. The only way to see anything was to focus on individual birds. It was the only way to see anything. It demonstrated to me why fish defend themselves by schooling or small birds flock. It's wild.

This frenzy has to be the primier location for in-flight Bald Eagle shots. There were so many eagles flying around, it was difficult to concentrate on one at a time. When I set up in Jean's compound directly on the other side of the fence from dozens of Bald Eagles, they were literally flying between us--the photographers. I would've had my attention focused in one direction when a breeze would sweep by. One of the other photographers would start laughing. I'd look around and respond "What, I'd say?" "An eagle just flew between us." Wow!! There were so many things that made this visit such an outstanding photography experience. Sure the setting wasn't the most nature. Perhaps the feeding of the birds was affecting the local eco-system. But, there were hundred's of Bald Eagles available. The proximity was incredible. Unlike anything you'd see anywhere else. Just a spectacular opportunity.

Cheers

Tom Hill