Annual eagle count shows healthy population

Organizer Thor Froslev was “elated” with the results of Sunday’s 28th annual bald eagle count in Brackendale.

Late in the afternoon — even though all the results were still not in — more than 1,000 of the raptors had been counted by about 70 volunteers. The volunteers, who are usually experienced bird- watchers, work in teams that go out on rafts, in kayaks and hike about 40 kilometres of trails.

All of this results in an unofficial survey on the health of the eagles, which congregate in the area to feed on salmon in the Squamish River.

The numbers cheered Froslev. “It’s a great sign,” he said.

Froslev had been concerned about the birds due to fears of the affects of sea lice from fish farms on chum salmon, the eagles’ primary food at this time of year.

“That’s detrimental to the chum salmon,” contended Froslev.

The average count of birds in the area is about 1,000 and it makes great viewing for walkers on the dikes in the area outside of Squamish.

The counters are often veterans of the task. “Some of the people have been going to the same area for 20 years,” said Froslev.

Despite that, he admitted the count could have a margin of error of plus or minus five per cent.

But at least the conditions Sunday weren’t a problem.

“It’s not snowing or raining,” said Froslev. “It’s perfect.”

ARLEN REDEKOP/ PNG Eagles that gathered in Brackendale just north of Squamish were counted during the 28th annual bald eagle count Sunday. More than 1,000 of the birds were spotted by 70 volunteer bird- watchers.

More photos at vancouversun. com/ galleries