Alaska Bald Eagle Festival.

• Author: Anderson, Tasha
• Position: TRAVEL

In Haines, a natural phenomenon at the convergence of three rivers sets the stage for the largest gathering of bald , eagles in the world. American Bald Eagle Foundation Director Cheryl McRoberts explains that as the weather cools, warmth that has seeped into the gravel rises "so that four-mile stretch of river does not freeze." Since everything in the surrounding area is frozen, this is the best access spot for the eagles to feed on a late run of fish. "Salmon come down underneath the ice and then out into open water--and the eagles are waiting for them," McRoberts says. "The eagles will stay until all the salmon are gone."

The Alaska Bald Eagle Festival celebrates the massive gathering through photography workshops, guided eagle viewing, a banquet, animal presentations, a chocolate buffet, and more.

McRoberts says, "It's thirty-five dollars a day for a pass. That's gets you into [almost] everything that we have going on, including bus transportation" from the Foundation to the...