Squamish Bird Watching
Bald eagle in Squamish, Tourism Squamish photo
Bird watchers flock to Squamish primarily because this is one of the world's best places to observe bald eagles in their natural habitat. On top of that, nearly 60 other species of birds live along the Squamish River, including the likes of cormorants, mergansers, and herons.
Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park
Visit Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park between November and February to see the highest concentration of wintering bald eagles in North America. The peak period is in December and January. The Brackendale eagle count, conducted by local volunteers, has become an tradition on the first Sunday of January each year since 1985. In 1994, a world-record count of 3,769 eagles was achieved.
What brings the eagles to Brackendale is the annual chum salmon run in the glacier-fed Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers, with as many as 300,000 salmon coming here to spawn and die by the start of January.
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Eagles, which weigh up to 6.8kg/15lb and have wing spans up to 2.43m/8ft, can be spotted nesting in the cottonwood trees on the river's west side and feeding on fish. The best vantage point is from the Brackendale Dyke on Government Road.
Another way to view the eagles is to take an "eagle safari" with a local river rafting company. Float silently down the Squamish River for a couple of hours, wearing a survival suit and rubber boots, and snap some photos. Reputable local tour suppliers include Sunwolf Outdoor Centre and Canadian Outback Adventures.
The Brackendale Winter Eagle Festival takes place each year in January and attracts thousands. There are interpretive displays, nature tours, eagle art displays, guest speakers, and much more. Check out the colourful, multi-purpose Brackendale Art Gallery (41950 Government Rd) for full details.
To drive to the eagle viewing area, take the exit at Mamquam Road about 5km/3mi north of downtown Squamish, and head north on Government Road.
More Bird-Watching Opportunities
While walking the trails in the Squamish River Estuary, some other bird species that can be observed in the winter include ducks, geese, osprey, hawks, goldeneyes, ravens, trumpeter swans, and American dippers. Over one period of four years, more than 200 bird species were sighted in the estuary.
Bird watching is also enjoyable in local provincial parks including Alice Lake Provincial Park and Garibaldi Provincial Park.
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