Bald Eagles arrive in Squamish BC
Once again our planet's largest gatherings of Bald Eagles in
underway in Squamish British Columbia, just North of Vancouver
BC, and just 50 km south of the world class Whistler Ski Resort.
Based on population estimates, up to 5% of the world's bald
eagles winter in this very accessible area. From one viewing
space, often dozens of Eagles can be seen, and a short walk in
the right direction will allow you to see many more.
For decades, thousands of majestic Bald Eagles have been
gathering on the riverbanks of the Squamish and Cheakamus
Rivers, feasting on the ample salmon that either did not quite
make it to the spawning channels, or have accomplished their
life's goal, and thus have met their subsequent demise. Working
to preserve their energy in the winter months, eagles will eat
up to a two pounds of this high value protein every day.
The highlight of the eagle-viewing period is the annual Bald
Eagle Count, which will take place on January 8th this season
and is headquartered out of the Brackendale Art Gallery. Using consistent
methodology, a count of the eagles in the area on this weekend
every year has been kept since 1986. In 1994 a world record 3769
eagles were counted within a few kilometers of the Squamish area
and its tributary rivers.
Bad weather can be good for eagle viewing as the eagles tend to
stay closer to the riverbanks and closer to viewing areas. When
the weather is great, they are more likely to be off for a
little fly around the rivers, mountains and forests of the
Squamish area.
One of the best ways to see the Bald Eagles in their spectacular
surroundings right in their own habitat is on an Eagle Float tour, or Eagle Safari through Canadian
Outback Adventures [www.canadianoutback.com]. A dream
experience for adventure travelers, photographers, families,
schools and educational groups, it is the best way to get up
close to these raptors without disturbing them. While they
usually run white water rafting trips in the summer, in winter,
Canadian Outback takes vacationers, school and educational
groups on float tours down the rivers in the area in order to
see these spectacular birds in their natural habitat, all with
stunning mountain and forest backdrops.
The closest Squamish
Hotel to the prime eagle viewing area in Brackendale is the
Sea to Sky
Hotel & Conference Center [www.seatoskyhotel.com] on Highway
99 at Garibaldi Way. Excellent eagle viewing areas are only
about a kilometer away. The hotel also offers discount ski
packages to those traveling to ski or board at Whistler
Blackcomb.
There are other good viewing areas in town, particularly along
the river dykes at the end of Judd Road, and around the spawning
channels between the Mamquam River and the Squamish Valley Golf
and Country Club.
Directions: To see the eagles from arguably the best viewing
area, turn west from Highway 99 at Garibaldi Way. This is a left
hand turn if you are coming from Vancouver, or a right hand turn
if you are coming from Whistler. Turn right again in about 20
metres at the T-junction with Government Road. Follow Government
road for just under one kilometer, and you will be at the Eagle
Viewing area. There is lots of parking on the right and an
interpretive center on the dyke from which you can get a great
view of dozens of Bald Eagles. If you are very lucky, there may
also be a few seals around, as well as a variety of other bird
species. On weekends from December to mid-February there are
often volunteers from Squamish's Eagle Watch program on hand to
offer more information and a peek through higher powered
telescopes. Other great viewing areas are near the Tenderfoot
Fish Hatchery, The Squamish Estuary, and near the Spawning
channels between the Mamquam River and the Squamish Valley Golf
and Country club.
Squamish is an outdoor recreation Mecca with thousands of rock
climbing routes, hundreds of kilometers of Mountain Bike trails,
a dozen excellent day hikes, some of the best windsurfing and
kite-surfing on the west coast of North America, excellent white
water rafting or kayaking, and scuba diving in Howe Sound. For
the less adventurous, there is fishing, 3 scenic golf courses,
walking trails, beaches and lakes, and sailing available. The
new Squamish Adventure Center was recently opened on Highway 99.
This article is also printed with pictures at: www.seatoskyhotel.com/dyn.Squamish_BC_Eagles_Article.
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Resource Box:
Helpful Links:
Squamish Hotels: www.seatoskyhotel.com
Eagle rafting trips: www.canadianoutback.com
Brackendale Art Gallery www.brackendaleartga
llery.com