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Eagles at Seabeck, WA
Apr 25, 2024 20:37:40   #
Jerry Coupe Loc: Kent, WA
 
I was sent a message from Jeffy, but UHH blocked a response, so I am posting some general information that is applicable to all.

Mid-May to late June is a good time to see eagles at Seabeck. A small fish, the Midwife comes in toward shore to spawn. At times near the low tide (morning tides are probably the best) the fish get trapped in the shallower water and tide pools making it easy for eagles to feed.
Seabeck is about 75 miles from Sea Tac Airport area. Take I-5 south toward Tacoma and then west and north toward Bremerton. There is another road between Bremerton and Silverdale that takes you to Seabeck. I use the iPhone map program as a guide.

My experience over the last four years is that it is best to arrive about 60-90 minutes before low tide and shoot as the tide recedes. Look for days when the low tides are minus for best conditions. When the tides are -2.5 feet or more, by the time it is low tide, the eagles which tend to feed out near the water line are quite aways out and even an 800 mm lens is a pretty small image. I have seen as many as 20-25 eagles flying or sitting on the beach feeding at a time. Great Blue Herons will also feed and there are some good interactions between the eagles and Herons. A lens in the 400 mm or greater range is very helpful. Weather will vary from clear skies to heavy overcast this time of year. Bring layers as the wind off the water can be chilly and some days it will be shirt sleeve weather.

I will typically stay for awhile after official low tide, but activity tapers off pretty quickly. In the first image you can see the oyster beds on the beach at low tide.

I will attempt to attach some images, but I don't always have success doing so.


(Download)


(Download)


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(Download)

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Apr 26, 2024 07:05:29   #
tcthome Loc: NJ
 
Some great info for anyone looking to go out that way. Thanks for posting.

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Apr 26, 2024 07:57:23   #
starlifter Loc: Towson, MD
 
Great captures. Loved #2.

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Apr 26, 2024 12:14:31   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
I believe Mark Smith has spent quite a bit of time here ....

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Apr 27, 2024 13:46:52   #
joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA
 
Jerry Coupe wrote:
I was sent a message from Jeffy, but UHH blocked a response, so I am posting some general information that is applicable to all.

Mid-May to late June is a good time to see eagles at Seabeck. A small fish, the Midwife comes in toward shore to spawn. At times near the low tide (morning tides are probably the best) the fish get trapped in the shallower water and tide pools making it easy for eagles to feed.
Seabeck is about 75 miles from Sea Tac Airport area. Take I-5 south toward Tacoma and then west and north toward Bremerton. There is another road between Bremerton and Silverdale that takes you to Seabeck. I use the iPhone map program as a guide.

My experience over the last four years is that it is best to arrive about 60-90 minutes before low tide and shoot as the tide recedes. Look for days when the low tides are minus for best conditions. When the tides are -2.5 feet or more, by the time it is low tide, the eagles which tend to feed out near the water line are quite aways out and even an 800 mm lens is a pretty small image. I have seen as many as 20-25 eagles flying or sitting on the beach feeding at a time. Great Blue Herons will also feed and there are some good interactions between the eagles and Herons. A lens in the 400 mm or greater range is very helpful. Weather will vary from clear skies to heavy overcast this time of year. Bring layers as the wind off the water can be chilly and some days it will be shirt sleeve weather.

I will typically stay for awhile after official low tide, but activity tapers off pretty quickly. In the first image you can see the oyster beds on the beach at low tide.

I will attempt to attach some images, but I don't always have success doing so.
I was sent a message from Jeffy, but UHH blocked a... (show quote)


Wow - what an exemplary quartet of stunning shots

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Apr 28, 2024 16:18:11   #
joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA
 
Jerry Coupe wrote:
I was sent a message from Jeffy, but UHH blocked a response, so I am posting some general information that is applicable to all.

Mid-May to late June is a good time to see eagles at Seabeck. A small fish, the Midwife comes in toward shore to spawn. At times near the low tide (morning tides are probably the best) the fish get trapped in the shallower water and tide pools making it easy for eagles to feed.
Seabeck is about 75 miles from Sea Tac Airport area. Take I-5 south toward Tacoma and then west and north toward Bremerton. There is another road between Bremerton and Silverdale that takes you to Seabeck. I use the iPhone map program as a guide.

My experience over the last four years is that it is best to arrive about 60-90 minutes before low tide and shoot as the tide recedes. Look for days when the low tides are minus for best conditions. When the tides are -2.5 feet or more, by the time it is low tide, the eagles which tend to feed out near the water line are quite aways out and even an 800 mm lens is a pretty small image. I have seen as many as 20-25 eagles flying or sitting on the beach feeding at a time. Great Blue Herons will also feed and there are some good interactions between the eagles and Herons. A lens in the 400 mm or greater range is very helpful. Weather will vary from clear skies to heavy overcast this time of year. Bring layers as the wind off the water can be chilly and some days it will be shirt sleeve weather.

I will typically stay for awhile after official low tide, but activity tapers off pretty quickly. In the first image you can see the oyster beds on the beach at low tide.

I will attempt to attach some images, but I don't always have success doing so.
I was sent a message from Jeffy, but UHH blocked a... (show quote)


Awesome and majestic 😯😯😯😯

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Apr 28, 2024 18:45:08   #
jeffy Loc: Albuquerque NM
 
Hi Jerry,

Thanks for the information! Yes, I tried sending you a PM.
Your information was what I was looking for, except for the low tide information.
There is a “low tide” both in the AM and the PM according to USHarbor charts. Are the eagles there for the PM low tide or just the AM low tide?
Jeffy

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Apr 29, 2024 13:56:38   #
topcat Loc: Alameda, CA
 
Nice

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