Save the Eagles Day 2026

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Save the Eagles Day 2026

Each year on January 10, Save the Eagles Day shines a spotlight on these iconic birds of prey — from thriving populations to species still fighting for survival. Thanks to decades of conservation work by scientists and the public, the bald eagle was officially removed from the endangered species list in June 2007. Unfortunately, threats like poaching, pesticides, and habitat loss continue to put pressure on many eagle populations worldwide.
#SaveTheEaglesDay

What began as an effort to protect a single pair of bald eagles has grown into a broader awareness campaign for all eagle species. Today, roughly 60 species of eagles exist across the globe, with the majority found in Eurasia and Africa. The Americas and Australia account for about 14 species combined, and Hawaii, notably, has none. In North America, the bald eagle and the golden eagle remain the most familiar faces of the group.

Eagles are built for the hunt. Their exceptional eyesight, powerful wings, razor-sharp talons, and hooked beaks make them top-tier predators. They’re also loyal partners, often forming lifelong pair bonds with a single mate.

In honor of this day, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite eagle images. Being Northern California–based, it will obviously be a bald eagle–heavy lot, but I did just get my first golden eagle capture, so I’ll include it as well.

While on an afternoon drive near my Janesville California home, I spotted this youngster on a bare tree. I estimate this to be a four-year-old bird, as it is showing very nearly — but not quite — mature coloration. At about five years of age, bald eagles achieve their iconic adult look. This is my favorite frame of this individual, with the afternoon breeze ruffling its feathers a bit. It was also an entertaining scene to watch unfold, as just a few moments after this capture the bird’s sibling dove in and knocked it off the perch. Kids!

Four-year-old bald eagle perched on a leafless tree branch in Lassen County, California, its feathers lightly ruffled by a stiff afternoon breeze. The young bird shows mottled brown plumage with a brightening white head and yellow beak, looking off to the side against a clean blue sky. Sunlight highlights the texture of the branch and the developing adult markings on the eagle, capturing a calm moment before it was disturbed.

This is the above-noted golden eagle. This frame was captured not all that far from where the young bald eagle image was taken, albeit just recently as opposed to five or so years ago. This majestic bird was sitting on a power pole like it owned it and didn’t fly off even as I got quite close. Since it obliged me in such a way and gave me this look, I figured a tight portrait was in order.

Golden eagle perched on a utility pole near Janesville, California, photographed in winter, showing a close-up view of the bird’s head and upper body against a clear blue sky.

Here’s a bit of a different “environmental” shot. I’m enamored with both birds of prey and irrigation wheel lines, so when an eagle perches on a wheel line and I have a camera with me, I obviously have to grab the shot!

Bald eagle perched on an irrigation wheel line in the Honey Lake Valley of Lassen County, California, its white head and yellow beak bright in soft mid-morning light. The dark brown wings are folded neatly as the eagle faces slightly right, gripping the curved metal bar with its talons. Behind it, a blurred field of pale greens and tans creates a smooth backdrop that emphasizes the bird’s strong profile and calm posture.

Back to one of my favorite winter eagle spots — Mapes Road near Janesville — here are a couple of frames from the same burst of an adult bald eagle as it flew by and gave me a bit of a dirty look. At least it was good enough to do it in late-afternoon warm light!

Bald eagle flying low over the high desert near Janesville, California, wings angled upward and catching warm late-day light. The golden tones highlight the bird’s white head, yellow beak, and layered dark brown feathers as it cuts through a soft blue sky. The eagle’s focused gaze and streamlined posture create a crisp, powerful profile against the muted desert and distant ridgeline.
Bald eagle flying low over high-desert terrain near Janesville, California, its wings stretched level as warm late-day light illuminates the white head and yellow beak. Soft golden tones highlight the layered brown feathers while the blurred desert shrubs and distant mountains form a muted backdrop. The eagle’s steady, forward gaze and smooth glide create a calm, powerful scene in the fading December sun.

These frames are from the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge near Tule Lake, which is near (wait for it) Tulelake California. In the spring of 2025, my lovely bride and I spent a few days in the region and stopped by an active nest that was within telephoto-lens range of one of the dirt roads through the refuge. These frames are from separate days when we were near the nest in golden morning light.

Bald eagle perched on a tree branch in warm golden hour light at the Lower Klamath Wildlife Refuge in Siskiyou County, California. The eagle’s white head glows against the blue sky while its rich brown plumage is illuminated by the early sunlight. Bare branches frame the scene as the bird looks intently to the right, its talons gripping the branch.
Adult bald eagle resting low in its nest at the Lower Klamath Wildlife Refuge in Siskiyou County, California. The bird’s white head and sharp yellow beak stand out against bright blue sky and fresh spring foliage as it peers forward with an intense, slightly grumpy expression. Twigs, branches, and new green buds surround the eagle in warm morning light.

Finally, here is probably my favorite bald eagle capture to date. I was hanging out at the Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding California on a spring morning when I spotted one of the park’s nesting pair flying by with a stick for the nest. (The lady who runs the Friends of Redding Eagles webcam has seen this picture and thinks it’s the female, named Liberty, but it could also be her mate, Guardian.)

As I was lining up for an in-flight shot, the bird dropped the stick and made a U-turn to go grab another. I captured this frame at the apex of that turn, flying low and straight at me. Seconds later, the big majestic raptor slammed into a large dead branch on a nearby tree and snapped it off with a very loud CRACK!

Up to that point, I had always assumed they gathered nesting material from litter on the ground. Unfortunately, while I saw it happen through the foliage, I couldn’t get a shot of it. I learned something and got a frame I liked. Not a bad morning.

Close-up view of a bald eagle in mid-flight at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding, California, its wings stretched wide and angled as it makes a sharp turn. Warm morning light illuminates the bird’s white head, intense yellow eyes, and detailed brown flight feathers. The eagle’s focused, forward gaze and sweeping wing posture create a dramatic, powerful moment against a soft blue sky.

As usual, thank you for stopping by. These and a few more raptor images are in a designated gallery at the link above.

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