A conservation comeback with a two-metre wingspan.

Adults are unmistakable: a dark brown body, white head and tail, and a large yellow bill and feet. Juveniles are mostly mottled brown and can be mistaken for golden eagles — they gradually develop the distinctive white head and tail as they mature.

In flight, bald eagles usually hold their broad wings fairly flat. Turkey vultures, another large soaring bird found around Fundy, tend to hold their wings in a shallow V and rock from side to side as they ride thermals.

Fish are a favourite food. Bald eagles can snatch fish from the surface with their powerful talons without needing to dive into the water. They also eat birds, mammals, carrion, and other available prey.

They are accomplished opportunists — and sometimes pirates. An eagle may harass an osprey, gull, or another bird until it drops its food, allowing the eagle to steal the meal.

In winter, eagles often gather where food is concentrated, including open water, river mouths, shorelines, and areas where fish or waterfowl are abundant.

Bald eagle pairs often remain together for many years and may return to the same nest repeatedly. Each breeding season they add more sticks and vegetation, and an old nest can eventually become enormous.

Large nests can reach several metres across and weigh hundreds of kilograms in exceptional cases. Pairs often choose tall trees such as white pine or spruce, giving them a clear view over water and surrounding habitat.