Tens of Thousands of Bald Eagles Flock to B.C. for Winter Feast

UPDATE: Tens of thousands of bald eagles have descended on the Fraser Valley in British Columbia for their winter migration, creating a breathtaking spectacle for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The migration is well underway along the Harrison River, where returning salmon are luring these majestic birds from as far as Alaska and Yukon.

This extraordinary gathering, which takes place annually from November through February, is estimated to include between 35,000 and 50,000 eagles this season. According to longtime bald eagle researcher David Hancock, founder of Hancock Wildlife Foundation, the birds migrate south to escape the harsh northern winters where rivers and lakes freeze, leaving them without food.

“Most of these are northern breeders who come down here to escape the northern winters,” Hancock stated. As the salmon run peaks, conditions are ideal for the eagles, making this a crucial time for both the birds and local ecosystems.

Experts Confirm: Ornithologist Rob Butler, honorary director of the Pacific Wildlife Foundation, notes, “We’re right in the middle of the big salmon run and, of course, the eagles are back.” The Harrison River is known as one of Canada’s most productive salmon waterways, drawing eagles to feast on the plentiful fish.

When salmon numbers dwindle, eagles often shift to the coast, hunting for ducks along the shorelines of the Salish Sea. “So the ducks, of course, hope that there’s going to be a big salmon run for them,” Butler added, highlighting the interdependent nature of the ecosystem.

This annual congregation also marks a significant conservation success story. Both Hancock and Butler emphasize that the return of bald eagles reflects the remarkable recovery of their population since the mid-20th century. At that time, only three breeding pairs were recorded in the Fraser Valley. Today, that number has surged to approximately 700 pairs, a testament to ongoing conservation efforts and the banning of harmful pesticides like DDT.

“It was a remarkable comeback,” Hancock explained, attributing the increase to changes in hunting laws and public awareness about the species’ plight.

Beyond their ecological role, bald eagles have become an integral part of local tourism. The Harrison Eagle Festival attracts visitors eager to witness the spectacle, enhancing community engagement and economy. “It was incredible,” said visitor Dan Woodstra, who joined an eagle viewing tour along the Harrison River. “I don’t think I’ve seen eagles like that anywhere else. Magical, really, to see such a creature in its element doing its thing.”

As winter progresses, experts predict the eagles will remain in the Fraser Valley until February before returning north. The presence of these majestic birds not only enriches the local landscape but also serves as a reminder of nature’s resilience and the importance of conservation efforts.

Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts are urged to take advantage of this seasonal phenomenon while it lasts. The eagles are here now, and with the salmon run at its peak, this is a prime opportunity to witness one of nature’s most stunning displays.