![]() We joined one of these Skagit River eagle walks on a Sunday morning in January. They circle through a forested area and wetlands before reaching the river’s edge, where the chances of seeing bald eagles are greatest. These guided winter walks through Howard Miller Steelhead Park in Rockport, Washington offer insights on the region’s ecology. These nature walks last a couple hours and are free (though donations are encouraged). The most budget-friendly option is the guided nature walks offered by the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center on winter weekends. How to Watch the Skagit River Eaglesįor the casual observer, joining a Skagit River eagle-watching group can be a great way to maximize your chances of seeing the Skagit River eagles. While most salmon spawn in the fall, a late run of chum salmon on the Skagit River provides food for the eagles late in the season when other food sources are scarce. They’re bound for the Pacific Northwest, where a few rivers with late salmon runs provide a rare early winter food source. They may not move in a giant flock, but it turns out bald eagles do migrate, flying south in the winter from Alaska and northern Canada. But eagles I think of as lonely and majestic creatures, solo animals. ![]() Bird migrations recall memories of Canada geese flying south in V formations, or an otherworldly swarm of snow geese taking flight together over a field. The pull-off by the railroad bridge can have good views of eagles loafing in the large oak trees across the channel.I don’t typically think of eagles as migratory birds. West End of Water Street: Following Water Street south, go straight through the stop lights in Sauk City. Eagles frequent the bluff behind the winery. The winery is approximately one mile on the left. ![]() Wollersheim Winery: Take the Hwy 60 Bridge east from Prairie du Sac to Hwy 188 and turn right (south). Please stay in your car to watch the eagles fishing. Prairie du Sac Hydroelectric Dam: Continue on Water Street (Hwy 78) north of Prairie du Sac, about one mile, and turn right on Dam Heights Road. Stay in your car please! Birds may be seen across the river in the tall cottonwoods, flying or fishing. Veteran’s Park: North on Water Street, past the business district in Prairie du Sac. An informational kiosk with eagle information is available. Here you can get out of your car and use the spotting scopes to see eagles perched on Eagle Island or soaring overhead. Best Places to View Bald Eaglesįerry Bluff Eagle Council Outlook: Across from the Mobil Station on Water Street in Prairie du Sac. The amount of white in their coloring increases each year until they become the gorgeous birds we’re familiar with. Immature bald eagles have varying amounts of white mottling all over, often with distinct white patches in their “under wing pits.” First year birds tend to be quite dark. Immature bald eagles aren’t as easy to distinguish because they don’t acquire the snow white head and tail feathers until they’re four to five years old. It is difficult to mistake an adult bald eagle because of its distinctive white head and tail and its immense six- to eight-foot wingspan. If you cannot make it for this special day, come watch the eagles soaring overhead throughout the winter or perched on Eagle Island in the middle of the river right downtown! Wollersheim winery offers a specialty wine in honor of the eagles. Ferry Bluff Eagle Council, Sauk Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Endangered Resources host this event, which features birds of prey shows, eagle viewing, bus tours, food and educational displays. They number anywhere from 100 to 200 birds in peak years.Įagles can be seen in Sauk Prairie from mid-December into March and are celebrated with a Bald Eagle Watching Day in January. When waters to the north freeze, eagles migrate to Sauk Prairie. Once nearly extinct in Wisconsin because of pesticide use, their numbers have steadily increased and they are no longer on the list of Endangered Species for our state. Drawn to open fishing waters below the Prairie du Sac dam, abundant sheltered valleys in the bluffs for nighttime roosting, tall riverbank trees for perching and plenty of space to feel secure, these magnificent creatures have graced the community with their presence for decades. The American bald eagle adds to the beauty of Sauk Prairie in the wintertime.
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