Birdwatchers and raptor fans are invited to The Dalles Dam on Saturday for the 15th annual Eagle Watch event.

Throughout January and February, scores of migrating bald eagles congregate around The Dalles Dam in search of food.

“In past years, we’ve seen anywhere from 40 to 60 eagles at one time,” said Bethany Rittenhouse, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park ranger at The Dalles Lock and Dam. “This year, it’s a little bit of a late start. It’s been a warmer winter, so that could mean if they’ve got enough food where they are, and they’re not forced to migrate yet.”

While the numbers are smaller than in years past, about a half-dozen eagles were spotted roosting in the trees and along the metal structures surrounding the dam last weekend.

Some bald eagles live in the Columbia River Gorge year-round, but most of those seen in the winter are migrating, coming from as far as Canada and Alaska. As they head for warmer climates, the birds stop and feed along the Columbia River.

The Dalles Dam is a particular draw as a food source.

“Because the dam creates turbulent water, it has the tendency not to freeze, and so the bald eagles can eat a little bit easier,” Rittenhouse said.

Rittenhouse said bald eagles prefer to eat fish — in particular shad — but will also eat small waterfowl and carrion. They often congregate at Westrick Park, a green space on the Oregon side of the dam that was closed to public access more than 20 years ago for security reasons. Today, it’s become a prime eagle roosting spot because of the absence of people and abundance of perching options such as tall trees and power towers.

The bald eagles in Westrick Park can be seen, with the help of binoculars and scopes, from the dam’s visitor center and surrounding natural spaces.

During the Eagle Watch event, representatives with the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum, the U. S. Forest Service, Washington State Parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will provide information about the birds and lead kids educational activities. Staff from Rowena Wildlife Clinic will bring live rehabilitated raptors that visitors can see up close.

Park rangers also will have spotting scopes set up for the public, but visitors hoping for the best views of the eagles should bring binoculars or a long camera lens. Eagles are most active in the mornings, Rittenhouse said, when they are feeding.

The Dalles Dam Visitors Center is open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday in the winter, but the public is welcome to use the parking lot and trails from dawn to dusk to birdwatch on their own.

Other nearby places to spot eagles include The Dalles Riverfront Trail, which runs from Columbia Gorge Discovery Center to Riverfront Park and The Dalles Bridge Junction, and the Klickitat State Park Trail on the Washington side of the river.

IF YOU GO: The 15th annual Eagle Watch is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 25 at The Dalles Dam Visitor Center, 3545 Bret Clodfelter Way, just north of I-84 at exit 87. The event is free to attend. For more information, contact The Dalles Lock and Dam ranger office at 541-506-7857.

WEEKEND GETAWAY: Looking to turn the Eagle Watch into a longer stay? The historic Balch Hotel in Dufur, 15 miles south of The Dalles, is hosting a two-night, three-day Eagle Watch retreat weekend that includes a wine and dessert reception Friday evening, a Saturday carpool to The Dalles Dam, lunch, a wine-tasting and dinner, a second eagle watch excursion and lunch on Sunday, along with special presentations on eagles and morning meditations. Cost is $134-$167 per night, depending on the room. Reservations and more information are available at balchhotel.com/eagle-watch-weekend. 

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