In the early hours of the day the Sea Lion left the choppy waters of Chatham Strait and anchored in Kelp Bay, on the eastern side of Baranof Island. The meadow near the head of the bay was busy with life. Several brown bears patrolled the banks of a narrow stream. Their antics held our attention for some time before breakfast. Dozens of bald eagles stood on the muddy shore or on nearby dead stumps. Both bears and eagles were drawn to this spot for the same reason. The yearly spawning of great numbers of salmon means abundant and rich food sources. As the salmon return from the ocean to the rivers and streams where they were hatched, they begin a transformation process. Their physical appearance changes and their flesh begins to deteriorate. They become weak but the drive to swim upstream is strong. Once the females have deposited their eggs and the males have fertilized them, the cycle is complete and the adults die. The fat and protein allow the brown bear to build reserves for the winter months. The eagles gather in great numbers to feast on the easy prey. The salmon in the photograph may have been left by the out-going tide or snatched from the stream by a young cub.