A group of 64 volunteers counted 1,288 eagles during the Brackendale Winter Eagle Count on Jan. 5.
A count in the Squamish River Valley has tallied the highest number of eagles since 2007, a hopeful sign for the local population.
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A group of 64 volunteers counted 1,288 eagles during the Brackendale Winter Eagle Count on Jan. 5.
“This was probably the best weather we’ve ever had for a count,” said Christopher Di Corrado, one of the count organizers with the Squamish Environment Society.
The warm weather and low water levels made it easier to access areas that are usually blocked by snow, helping teams cover more ground.
“This was our biggest count in the last four years,” Di Corrado said. “The coho salmon run was really strong, so the eagles had plenty of food. That’s always a good sign for the health of the ecosystem.”
While the numbers didn’t quite match the 39-year average of 1,319, they show a steady climb compared with recent years — 996 in 2024, 916 in 2023, and 799 in 2022.
Volunteers counted adult bald eagles, with their striking white heads and tails, and juveniles, still brown and growing into their well-known look. In some spots, like Ashlu and Elaho, teams estimated up to 200 more eagles that they couldn’t officially tally.
For decades, the count has been about more than just numbers. It’s also a chance to teach people about the eagles and how to watch them responsibly.
“Eagle Watch started as an education program, with volunteers on weekends teaching people how to respect the eagles,” said Katelyn West, another organizer.
While 1,288 eagles is far from the record 3,769 counted in 1994, the trend is encouraging.
“This isn’t just about counting birds,” West said. “It’s about connecting with nature, working together, and making sure these incredible animals have a future.”
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter with The Squamish Chief. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.