Eagles @ Homer, Alaska

Does anyone know if it is still possible to photograph Eagles in Homer, Alaska? I understand there is a new law that may prevent the feeding of the Eagles and thus limiting photographers ability to photograph them.

I believe that bylaw allows the lady who does most of the feeding to continue for the rest of her life (I recall reading that she is elderly) so for the immediate future that shouldn't be a problem. Perhaps an email or phonecall to the local Chamber of Commerce would give the you the answer.

I was in Homer this summer and what Ed has stated is correct. It never hurts to confirm with the local Chamber of Commerce. As I understand it there are limitations to proximity to the event as well. My aunt in-law who was living there was stating something about photographers photographing the event from their cars. Perhaps someone more local can enlighten readers interested in this. (ahem... Hank).

A quick heads-up is in order: Southcentral Alaska including both Homer and Anchorage is having a "real" winter this year. It's been unseasonably cold and windy, sporadically warming just enough to make roads really slick. I would be disinclined to rent a car in Anchorage, then herd its city-street tires all the way to Homer. Best bet is to fly from Anchorage to Homer, saving both time and nerve endings.

There have been some very serious and even fatal accidents on the drive out of Anchorage, too. There's also the possibility of lengthy road blocks due to avalanches whenever heavy snowfall occurs. Last February I tried for three days to make the drive, to no avail due to avalanches. Some of our party were trapped between towns for the duration.

The new law, which took effect this past summer, bans the feeding of eagles. There is a five-year exemption, however, for Jean (the eagle lady). So it's a good bet she will be feeding, if she's up to it. She only feeds in the morning, though, and in the past many photographers have fed on their own in the afternoon elsewhere on the spit. There are good opportunities both ways. In the morning, you either make arrangements with Jean to shoot from her yard (it can be hard to get a spot if there are lots of other photographers there at the same time you are) or shoot from your car from nearby parking spaces (which are first come, first served). In snow and rain, shooting from your car may actually be better if you have an SUV with a rear lid to keep your gear somewhat dry. Though you can no longer feed in the afternoon, some good afternoon opportunities will no doubt remain to photograph loafing eagles around the spit.