WATCH: Old Town Resident Captures Stunning Bald Eagle Gathering

Every once in a while, Maine delivers a moment that makes you pull over, shut off the engine, and just stare. That’s exactly what happened to Old Town resident Michael McPhee over the weekend when his ordinary drive to a work site turned into an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

McPhee said he noticed something unusual in the trees along the road and quickly realized he wasn’t looking at crows or gulls. Perched together, almost impossibly close, were at least 20 bald eagles. He did what most of us would do in that moment — grabbed his phone, hit record, and shared the scene online. The video captures a rare sight: America’s national bird gathered in numbers that feel more Alaska than central Maine.

While the bald eagle is no longer listed as endangered, it remains a federally protected species and a powerful symbol of conservation success. Not all that long ago, seeing even one eagle was considered special. Now, moments like this — while still remarkable — are becoming more common across the state.

Just last month, a viewer in Randolph recorded two bald eagles along the Kennebec River when a third suddenly swooped into frame, turning a quiet moment into a dramatic one. Eagles are now a familiar presence across Maine, especially near lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.

Their diets vary depending on location. Inland eagles mostly rely on fish, while coastal birds expand their menu to include seabirds and waterfowl. Some migrate south in winter, but many remain in place, adapting by scavenging when food is scarce.

Land purchases and conservation easements protect roughly 400 eagle territories today — a lasting safety net that ensures scenes like McPhee’s won’t remain a thing of the past, but a reminder of what careful stewardship can achieve.