© Klaus Nigge
After several days of constant rain, the bald eagle was soaked to the skin. At Dutch Harbor, on Amaknak Island in Alaska, bald eagles gather to take advantage of the fishing industry’s leftovers. Used to people, the birds are bold. “I laid on my belly on the beach surrounded by eagles,” said Nigge. “I got to know individuals, and they got to trust me.” The species was declining dramatically until the 1960s, but reduced persecution, habitat protection and a ban on the pesticide DDT has led to its recovery. “As the eagle edged nearer, picking up scraps, I lowered my head, looking through the camera to avoid direct eye contact.” It came so close that it towered over him.
