ML643795974

Observation details

Flew in from the inlet at about 3:45 PM from the northeast. Flew across the south shore and landed on a dead Spruce tree about three quarters of the way up the east slope that rises above North River. A massive raptor with overall black colouration. The white wedged-shaped tail and white leading edge of the wing was clearly visible in flight. When it landed, we watched through telescopes as it preened and sat in the sunshine out of the breeze. When perched, the sea eagle showed the very large yellowish-orange bill with a pronounced large hooked upper mandible. Also seen were the white shoulder patches and white feathers on the legs. Distance between us and the Sea Eagle's perch was estimated to be about 800 to 900 metres. It was an impressive sight to see and well worth the long journey to see a bird that should be in Russia or Japan not the far eastern side of North America. Thanks to nearby resident Bob Crocker for giving us the local knowledge about this bird’s movements so we could to see this magnificent raptor.