The Eagle Watchers Program is a US Forest Service volunteer stewardship program, made possible with support and cooperation from Seattle City Light, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, WA Department of Transportation, Washington State Parks, Skagit County Parks, and the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center.
What is the Eagle Watcher Volunteer Stewardship Program?
Thanks to abundant runs of wild salmon, the Skagit River Watershed boasts one of the largest wintering populations of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. In their wake come thousands of people vying for views of the majestic birds roosting in riverside trees or eating fish along gravel bars. Bald eagle viewing continues to rise each year as media coverage increases and more people move to the Puget Sound region.
Since 1992 the Eagle Watchers program has played a vital role in protecting this species by managing the attention they attract. Eagle Watchers share a common bond – love for eagles, salmon and the Skagit River and a desire to benefit both wildlife and people.
On weekends starting in late December, trained volunteers will be stationed at a number of convenient locations along the Skagit River to help you learn more about one of the largest wintering bald eagle populations in the Lower 48.
To help you plan your visit to the Upper Skagit, Eagle Watchers volunteers can answer your questions about bald eagles, salmon and the Skagit watershed. They’ll have binoculars and spotting scopes available for your use.
For more information about the program and how to get involved, go to our volunteer page. To plan a visit to see eagles, contact the Mt Baker Ranger District at (360) 856-5700 or visit the Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest online.
Hope I’m not too late! Have been watching the David Hancocks eagles for years, and this year, because the calendar is free-er we want to venture out to see the feeding on the Skagit. I think your website is wonderful and very informative.
Most of the comments are about mid through December 2009 so I hope we’re not too late. Either way it will be a wonderful drive. Hoping to head out for a drive Sunday afternoon, January 10th.
Are the eagles still there? Thanks.
Laurel – eagle numbers are low. Always nice to spend time along one of our beautiful rivers, though.
Is the eagle education/watch at Rockport still happening Saturday January 30th at 9am? If so, has the highway slide been cleared up for access heading east to Rockport?
Hi Bob,
Our Eagle Watch Stations have been cancelled for this weekend due to hazardous road and weather conditions. I am sorry you missed us! Keep an eye out next year. Our stations begin in December and run through the end of January. The best eagle viewing times tend to be the end of December and early January. We hope to see you next year!
Erica