The Squamish Environment Society has announced a successful annual eagle count, with 64 volunteers surveying 17 areas from Upper Squamish to downtown, Paradise Valley, and the Stawamus River. This year’s tally reached 1,288 bald eagles, the highest count since 2007 and nearing the 38-year average of 1,318.
“We are pleased with this year’s numbers,” the society reported on its website, noting strong counts across all areas. The coho salmon run was particularly robust, with abundant fish reported in Upper Squamish and sightings of salmon even in the Stawamus River. The ample food supply is expected to keep eagles in the region for an extended period.
According to SES, the volunteers faced good conditions with low water levels, which improved access to many counting locations, though high tide posed challenges in the estuary. This year’s count was enhanced by support from Instream Fisheries Research, which provided a raft for coverage of remote areas. Rafters also reported elk sightings along roads in the Upper Squamish region, the society reported.
Christopher Di Corrado and Carl Halvorson, the event organizers, expressed gratitude to several supporters, including the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw for access to their ancestral territory, new and returning volunteers and the Brackendale Art Gallery team for providing headquarters. They also thanked Luke Irwin for organizing the rafting effort and Instream Fisheries Research for equipment contributions.
With a strong salmon run and promising eagle numbers, the society looks forward to continued conservation efforts and community participation in the annual count.
