Amidst the icy chill of a Newfoundland winter, Terra Nova National Park became a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts drawn by the arrival of a rare and extraordinary guest.
The Steller’s sea eagle, one of the world’s largest birds of prey, typically calls Japan, Korea, and Russia home. Its unexpected appearance in Newfoundland marked a journey of thousands of miles, powered by its impressive 7.8-foot wingspan.
Sandra Moss, a photographer intrigued by reports of the sighting, set out with her camera to capture the elusive bird. Her initial search from a boat on Newman Sound yielded no results, but on the drive back, she and her husband spotted the majestic raptor perched atop a towering pine tree.
“I can’t describe the thrill,” she told CBC. “It feels like the bird chose us. That’s the sense of wonder it inspires.” She jokingly added, “I wouldn’t want to hold a pet nearby—it might take both you and the pet!”
While this Steller’s sea eagle’s visit to Newfoundland is remarkable, sightings along North America’s eastern seaboard have occurred before. Members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Birdwatching Group reported spotting a Steller’s sea eagle in Trinity Bay last year. In 2021, bird enthusiasts followed its trail from Boothbay Harbor, Maine, shortly before Christmas, all the way to Denali, Alaska, by mid-January.
Easily distinguishable due to its unique plumage and size—typically 25% larger than a bald eagle—this fish-eating giant is a spectacle wherever it goes. The distinct feather patterns of individual Steller’s sea eagles make them easy to track, further fueling the excitement of birdwatchers.
Commenters on Terra Nova National Park’s Facebook post speculated that this visitor might be a returnee from previous years, solidifying its reputation as a globe-trotting marvel.