EAGLE
VIEWING
If
you are a bird enthusiast, then Brackendale is the place to be.
every year literally thousands of Bald eagles gather for the winter.
The Squamish River Valley has long been recognized as one of the
most significant areas of wintering bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
in North America. In the 1994 bird count, Squamish had the world
record count of 3,769 eagles.
The
river’s riparian area provides suitable habitat for roosting,
perching and feeding. The prolific runs of chum salmon (Onc orhynchuus
keta) in the Squamish, Cheakamus, and Mamquam rivers attract eagles
from all over the Pacific Northwest from November to February
each year.
Each
year the Bald Eagle attracts thousands of people from around
the world to observe them in their winter home. One of the best
places to spot the Bald Eagles is at the Eagle Run view point
on Government Road. There are also many tours set up for eagle
watching. You can choose horse back, rafting or walking tours.
The
Squamish Estuary is a great place to catch a glimpse of the
many other fascinating birds the Squamish area plays host to.
Some examples of these birds are: Vaux's Swift, Canada Goose,
Warbling Vireo, Red Eyed Vireo, Violet Green Swallow, Northern
Rough Winged Swallow, Black Capped Chickadee, Chestnut Backed
Chickadee, Swainson's Thrush, Cedar Wax Wing, House Sparrow, Turkey
Vulture, Black Swift, Belted King Fisher, Red Breasted Sap Sucker,
Pileated Woodpecker, Orange Crown Warbler, Townsend Warbler, and
American Goldfinch |
Annual
Brackendal Winter Eagle Count Festival.
For more
information visit the
Brackendale
Art Gallery. 'BAG' has hosted, and has been instrumental
in organizing, consecutive Eagle Counts as part of the Brackendale
Winter Eagle Festival. There are always lots of events at the
Gallery including music, art, slide shows, tours and more.
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