The Eagles Have Landed.

It’s that time year again where it is possible to view a massive number of bald eagles congregating in a small area in both British Columbia and Alaska.

Three specific eagle viewing sites are:

• In Brackendale, just outside of Squamish which is halfway between Vancouver and Whistler. Peak viewing is from mid-December to mid-January though large numbers may still be around in February. Be adventuresome and try a rafting trip in the winter as an alternative way of seeing the eagles.
• Along the Harrison River, about an hour east of Vancouver. The two-day bald eagle festival has just occurred though the eagles don’t know that, so they’ll be around for many more weeks.
• In Haines, Alaska where they celebrate the eagles over a 5 day period with photography workshops, nightly entertainment and guided viewing. This is the spot to see the largest gathering in the world at one time. Then, as it gets colder, the eagles move south to British Columbia.

You’ve just missed two of the festivals. But a trip to either Harrison River or Brackendale on the dullest days of December to watch these amazing birds is a sure way to light up your day.

Here are some interesting Bald Eagle facts:

1. The average lifespan in the wild is up to 28 years
2. They have a 6-8 foot wingspan and can weigh up to 14 pounds
3. The biggest eagle nest ever recorded weighed 2 tons, and measured 9.5 feet across by 20 feet high
4. The Bald Eagle was delisted from the ‘Threatened and Endangered Wildlife’ list on June, 2007

Leigh McAdam

HikeBikeTravel

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