General Information
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Access and Transportation | • |
Photography |
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Weather and Dress | • |
Other Activities in Haines |
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Daylight Hours | • |
Other Festivals |
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Etiquette | • |
Other Birding Opportunities |
Commuter airlines and ferries provide transportation between Haines and Juneau, and the paved highways connecting Haines with the interior of Alaska and the Yukon remain open year-round. Although there is daily scheduled air service between Juneau, Skagway and Haines, November weather frequently prevents planes from flying. Ferries usually operate between Juneau, Skagway and Haines on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. As a backup, you may wish to reserve a space in the event that your flight is canceled. Flight time is 35 minutes between Juneau and Haines, 15 minutes between Skagway and Haines. Ferry travel takes 4.5 hours from Juneau to Haines, 1 hour from Skagway to Haines. For ferry reservations, call the Alaska Marine Highway System at 1-800-642-0066 or 907-766-2111.
Once you have reached Haines, rental cars are available, (please see our web site Business Directory) however you should make reservations in advance. You should be aware that parking is very limited in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and daily bus service is provided to and from the Preserve.
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By the time of the Festival, winter has typically begun in Haines. Conditions can include cold temperatures, wind, snow and/or rain, so you'll want to come prepared with appropriate clothing. We recommend dressing in layers with thermal or polypropylene underwear, a wool or fleece middle layer, and a waterproof/windproof outer layer. Warm gloves, hats with ear protection, and warm waterproof boots are essential. Although you might wish to dress up for Sheldon Museum's annual fundraiser, Eagle Elegance, casual clothing is acceptable for all indoor events.
During November, the sun comes up at about 9:30 a.m. and sets at about 3:00 p.m. Best hours of light in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The following guidelines were developed to insure protection for the eagles and other critical features of the preserve.Please help us protect this area for the eagles and future visitor use.
• PLEASE STAY OFF THE FLATS! This is where the eagles feed. Their energy is better utilized for feeding than by flying away from people.
• VIEW EAGLES FROM AREA BETWEEN THE HAINES HIGHWAY & RIVER. Staying within this area prevents stressful conditions for the eagles. They need their space to roost and feed.
• DO NOT DISTURB THE FISH IN ANY WAY. Fish are the eagles' food. Please leave all fish and fish carcasses where nature has placed them.
• OBSERVE THE BIRDS FROM A DISTANCE. Use binoculars for closer looks. If the birds flush, back off. Also use long-range telephoto lenses for close-up photographs.
• USE TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED. Help minimize the impact on the eagles by using the naturalist guided bus transportation. If you must drive, please park only in designated turnouts. Never stop on the roadway. Do not set up tripods on the road.
(Excerpted, in part, from the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve brochure.)
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The following is a checklist of recommended photography equipment:
| 1. | 35mm single lens reflex camera body | |
| 2. | Sturdy tripod with no plastic components. The cheapest tripods will quickly fail in Alaskan weather conditions. Hint: wrap the upper legs with foam water pipe insulation to protect your hands from freezing metal. | |
| 3. | 50-55 mm lens for landscapes, scenery, etc. | |
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200-500 mm telephoto lens (requires sturdy tripod for good results) | |
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200mm is good for 'environmental' images and large groups of birds | |
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300mm is good for groups — individual birds may fill 1/4 of the frame | |
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400mm is good for small groups — individual birds may fill 1/2 of the frame | |
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500mm — individual birds may fill 3/4 of the frame | |
| 4. | Cable release (bring a spare — they're easy to lose!) | |
| 5. | Film — ISO 100-200, slides or prints (you may easily go through 5 rolls per day) | |
| 6. | Spare batteries — cold saps batteries quickly and the nearest store is 20 miles away! | |
| 7. | Rain gear for your camera — a small umbrella or plastic bag will do. | |
• Eagle Elegance - Art Auction & Gourmet Desserts, Thursday evening during the festival
• Cross Country Skiing
• Scenic Flights of Valley and Glaciers
• Unique Shopping Opportunities & Art Galleries
• Fine Dining - Alaska Style
• Tours of the Chilkat Valley
• Special Festival Stamp Cancellation at the Post Office
• Sitka Whale Fest happens around the same time as the Bald Eagle Festival and makes a nice combination package.
• Godwit Days Migratory Bird Festival
• American Birding Association Festivals Directory
• Homer Shorebird Festival
For additional Birding Festivals and Tours, please click on the following logos:
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