The Sentinel

In the fall of 2020, we took a small group of people on a guided Grizzly Safari down the Chilko River in Central BC. It was early September, and the salmon were just beginning their return to spawn. With them came the bears for their annual feast… and the majestic eagles close behind.

It was incredible to witness the number of eagles, in all stages of maturity, perched high in the trees along the riverbanks. At one point, I spotted this mature bald eagle sitting like a true sentinel above the river, scanning the water below. I asked our guide if we could gently pull over and cut the engine so we could drift quietly into position. With the boat now silent, we floated just close enough without disturbing him, giving me the perfect chance to capture the moment.

It was here we often saw this eagle watching for salmon, as fish make up 70–90% of their diet. They’re also known to forage from the leftovers of grizzlies, so where there are bears, there are almost always eagles nearby.

What better place to stand guard than high above the river, watching it all unfold—truly the sentinel of the forest.

- Stan Masters

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