Bald Eagles, Skagit County

Juvenile bald eagle in flight

One of the best parts of this area is the abundance of wildlife, nature and the reminders on how we're all connected.

Up in the northern open flats of the Pacific Northwest, near the Skagit River, eagles return annually to feed on spawned salmon, if they can find them. Flooding waters, and changing water flows continue to threaten the ability for these divine creatures to find their natural prey.

Adult bald eagle feeding on a delicious find

If not, there are always the farmers who can serve a not so natural delicacy.

Adult eagle landing with a prize from farm scraps

Bald Eagles are another success symbol of conservation programs. When we conserve and protect we have the power to bring back what is about to be lost forever.

Just a mere 50 years ago - Bald Eagles were endangered due to human activity - hunting and widespread use of DDT (poisoning their food source too) were the highest threats. Protections from the Bald Eagle Conservation Act saved this species - under the act, any activity that will cause harm to a nest or the wellbeing of these species were criminal.

They are now on the rebound.

Adult Bald Eagle in flight with the catch of the day

They are master hunters and key to keeping our waterways healthy. They feed on the spawned salmon lying dead in the rivers. As any predator, they keep checks and balances with smaller species.

We humans have the power and the free will to make the choice, whether we are WITH nature or against her. We’re able to enjoy the bald eagles because people before us supported and followed the Bald Eagle Conservation Act. 

Another threat for these master hunters arises from the growing fish farms. As these facilities “lose” medicated or bacteria/illnesses carrying fish to waterways - it also contaminates the Eagles’ diets.

The farmed salmon we take for granted has a lot to do with the health of the Bald Eagle, and other raptors’, health and well-being.

Another threat for these symbols of our nation is hunting with leaded bullets. They scavenge on the carcasses left behind by hunters - water fowl, deer, etc -