Winter in the Columbia Gorge might mean hibernation for some species, but for the American bald eagle, it is migration season. Every January and February, dozens of bald eagles migrate south to the Gorge to find areas with large trees to roost and open water for fishing, creating plenty of eagle watching opportunities. To help promote raptor education, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has hosted an annual Eagle Watch program, in cooperation with local partners, at The Dalles Lock and Dam since 2010.
Join us on Tuesday, February 16 at 6 p.m. (Pacific) for a live webinar exploring eagle winter migration, behavior, and biology; the history of the Gorge Eagle Watch program; local efforts to protect migrant and resident eagle populations; and viewing opportunities for these top predators in the Columbia Gorge. The presentations will be followed by a moderated Q&A session and the webinar will include the debut of a special, original eagle video co-produced by Friends and Story Gorge for this year's virtual Eagle Watch efforts.
(Eagle photo by Stephen Datnoff)
Registration is free; click the "Register" button below. The webinar will be recorded and uploaded to Friends' YouTube page within a few days of the recording.
More About Eagle Watch 2021
This majestic bird of prey has made a powerful comeback from the brink of extinction, nearly being wiped out by hunters, habitat loss, and pesticides. By 1963, less than 500 bald eagle pairs were found in the lower 48 states. Thanks to the Endangered Species Act, bald eagle populations have since recovered with healthy populations continuing to rise, a conservation success story.
As a pandemic-safe, virtual alternative, to our popular, annual eagle hikes, this February, Friends is participating in the 11th annual Eagle Watch, a month of special online programming in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, Rowena Wildlife Clinic, Story Gorge, and the U.S. Forest Service.
