The Dalles Dam Visitor Center hosts 13th annual Eagle Watch
Photo Credit: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
by Chris Gaylord of the Portland District of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The eagles have landed! Join U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) park rangers at The Dalles Dam Visitor Center Jan. 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., to catch a glimpse of bald eagles that congregate near the dam every winter in search of food.
Photo Credit: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The Columbia River Gorge is a prime winter location for migrating eagles due to the abundance of food found along the Columbia River. It's typical to see dozens of eagles from the visitor center parking lot and adjacent Seufert Park, which are both open to the public every day from dusk until dawn.
During the month of January, the visitor center will be open every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon for eagle viewing. Park rangers will be available to answer questions, help people use spotting scopes (provided by the Corps), and teach basic bird identification tips.
The Corps, and partners from the U.S. Forest Service and the Rowena Wildlife Clinic, will host a variety of fun activities, displays, and live raptor shows.
Photo Credit: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The visitor center and event are free and accessible to visitors with disabilities. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own scopes, binoculars, and cameras. Please note that inclement weather may cause the event to be rescheduled.
The Dalles Dam Visitor Center is located just north of Interstate 84 at exit 87, then east on Bret Clodfelter Way. For more information, contact The Dalles Lock and Dam ranger office at 541-506-7857, visit https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Locations/Columbia-River/The-Dalles-Lock-Dam/Eagle-Watch/, or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PortlandCorps/.
To learn more about raptor viewing and educational opportunities in the Columbia Gorge area, check out the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum at www.gorgediscovery.org or the Rowena Wildlife Clinic at www.rowenawildlifeclinic.org.
