ST. JOHN’S, N.L. –
A national park in Newfoundland has made the unusual move of opening in the winter so people can catch a glimpse of its rare and menacing new guest.
A Steller’s sea eagle has taken up residence in Terra Nova National Park, and officials say it is the only known bird of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.
Normally found in Russia, Japan and along the Korean Peninsula, the Steller’s sea eagle is one of the largest birds of prey on Earth, with a wingspan of about 2.4 metres.
Photographer Sandra Moss is among the many Newfoundland birders who were tipped off early about the bird’s arrival in the park, and she managed to snap photos of it last week as it surveyed the ground from atop a tree.
Moss says it was awe-inspiring to look up at the massive, dark bird against the brilliant blue sky, and she was shaking with excitement when she returned to her car with a camera full of pictures.
A Facebook post Saturday on Terra Nova’s account says part of the park will be open each day until Dec. 31, excluding Christmas and Boxing Day, depending on weather conditions, so people can try to spot the special animal.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2024.
