The 34th annual Brackendale Winter Eagle Count is set for Sunday, Jan. 5.
As always, dozens of volunteers will disperse to 21 areas by foot, snowshoe, skis and raft, covering more than 100 kilometers, from downtown Squamish to the Elaho and Ashlu river valleys.
"This count gives us a good snapshot, not just of the eagle population, but also of the overall health of the local ecosystem," said Christopher Di Corrado, Eagle Count co-ordinator in a news release. Counts have ranged from a high of 3,769 eagles spotted in 1994, to a low of 411 in 2016.
The number of eagles returning to the Squamish Valley each year is influenced by the salmon runs, especially the fall chum run, which can vary widely from year to year.
More volunteers are needed to help with the count.
Volunteers should be prepared to be out for several hours, in sometimes challenging weather conditions.
For more information or to pre-register, contact wintereaglecount@squamishenvironment.ca.
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