Greetings to everyone who follows our Squamish eagles!
Winter has officially (!) come to an end and most of the hundreds of bald eagles who call the Squamish Valley home for the coldest months of the year have begun to move back to their breeding and summer habitats. Luckily for our community, some eagles are resident year-round, and we can enjoy them through every season. Our EagleWatch coordinator and volunteers have spent the last few months thawing out, compiling all our count totals, and interpreting our data. We’re now pleased to share with you the results from EagleWatch 2021-2022, our 26th season.
Some key points:
- As in 2020 – 2021, we limited our program to twice-daily counts at Eagle Run dike.
- Our season ran from November 6 to January 9.
- Our program was organized, scheduled and reported completely on-line. We missed the gatherings and community contact but are grateful that technology and the adaptability of our volunteers enabled us to continue the program.
- We had 26 active volunteers: ten were new to the program and 16 were experienced. They often brought friends and family with them for the one-hour shifts: all are welcome to this community program.
- The highest count was 49 eagles on the morning of November 30.
- There were five or fewer eagles counted during 41 shifts: one third of all shifts produced very low eagle counts.
- The highest counts were between mid-November and mid-December.
- The total number of eagles counted was 27% lower than in 2020 – 2021.
- Our season was marked by extreme weather events: repeated heavy rainfalls followed by an extended period with heavy snowfalls and cold temperatures.
- The extreme weather likely was a factor in the lower number of eagles present at Eagle Run.
EagleWatch would not be possible without the commitment of our volunteers, who chose to spend their valuable time out on the dike looking for eagles. This season saw several hours’ worth of eye-straining shifts that produced one lonely eagle. This season also tested the durability of our raincoats and warmth of our socks. We thank each and every person who contributed to an eagle count and braved the elements in search of some very soggy eagles. The passion and excitement of the eagle-loving community here is something special.
You can find more detail on the seasons’ results here. Until next season – happy birding, and enjoy!
Photo by Sean St Denis: A special view of an adult eagle in flight, December 2018.