What do you think they’re talking about?
Wildlife photographer Christian Sasse has spent nearly two decades capturing the majestic beauty of eagles. Among the countless photos and videos he’s taken, one extraordinary encounter stands out as the most memorable.
Recently, during a photography trip to a remote area near Vancouver, Sasse came across an astonishing sight: a massive gathering of eagles. Hundreds of these birds were congregated in a shallow pond, bathing and interacting with one another. The scene was surreal, but Sasse knew he had to be careful. Any sudden movement could send the eagles soaring away.
“Eagles are incredibly skittish,” Sasse explained to The Dodo.
For several days, he slowly introduced his presence by parking his car near the pond and leaving it there, allowing the eagles to grow accustomed to it. Only once they felt at ease did he attempt to photograph them.
“Most of the time, I take these shots handheld,” Sasse shared. “That means holding a massive lens, steadying your breath for about 30 seconds, and doing everything you can to stay perfectly still.”
Eventually, his patience paid off. On one unforgettable day, Sasse was able to capture video footage of the gathering — an estimated 1,000 eagles filling the pond. Watching their interactions was captivating. Contrary to the common perception of eagles as solitary hunters, Sasse observed their surprisingly social behavior.
“Though it may seem chaotic, their interactions are structured by social rankings — from how they bathe to how they take flight,” he noted.
Sasse shared the footage on his Facebook page, where viewers were amazed by the spectacle. One commenter perfectly described the event as an “eagle convention.”
Even though wildlife experts have studied eagle behavior extensively, large gatherings like this remain a mystery.
“There’s very little known about why bald eagles come together in such large numbers,” Sasse explained. “That mystery is part of what makes witnessing it so unforgettable.”
For Sasse, the experience was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
“It’s one of those rare moments that gives you chills,” he said.