The Challenger

Photographer Name
Peter Cortes

Instagram handle
@cortes.gallery

Date/Year of Photo
2026

Location of Photo: (BC photos only)
Victoria, BC

This description may appear alongside winning photos featured in prize items.
A bald eagle makes a final approach toward the summit of the world's tallest free-standing totem pole in Beacon Hill Park, Victoria, British Columbia, where another eagle already held the perch. For a brief moment, the incoming bird extended its talons while the resident eagle reacted, capturing a split second of territorial behaviour before the encounter unfolded.

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