The bald eagles are back! Join U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park rangers at The Dalles Dam Visitor Center Jan. 24, 2015. Learn about our nation’s symbol by watching them in their natural habitat and enjoy interactive activities at the visitor center.
Catch a glimpse of the American bald eagle during the Corps’ fifth annual Dam Eagle Watch on Jan. 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Dalles Dam Visitor Center in The Dalles, Ore.
As bald eagles migrate south each winter in search of food, the Columbia River provides an excellent food source for our winter guests. Westrick Park, near the dam and across from the visitor center, seems to be a favorite winter vacation spot. It is quiet and secluded December through early March.
The Corps, with partners U.S Forest Service and the Rowena Wildlife Clinic, provide educational programming about birds of prey and offer live raptor viewing at the visitor center throughout the day. A variety of fun activities will be available for all ages. Visit this link to check out the schedule of events for the theater: http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Media/Announcements.aspx
In addition to interpretive lectures, presentations and films in the theater, spotting scopes and a limited number of binoculars will be available outside to view the roosting eagles. The event is free and the site is accessible to visitors with disabilities; visitors are encouraged to bring their own scopes, binoculars and cameras.
If the event is canceled due to inclement weather, it will be rescheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please check our Facebook page and website for updated information.
To learn more about raptor viewing and educational opportunities in the Columbia Gorge area, check out the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum at http://www.gorgediscovery.org, or The Rowena Wildlife Clinic at http://www.rowenawildlifeclinic.org
The Dalles Dam Visitor Center and Seufert Park are located just north of Interstate 84 at exit 87. Turn east onto Bret Clodfelter Way and follow the road to the visitor center. For more information please contact The Dalles Lock and Dam Ranger Office at 541-506-7857 or visit http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Locations/ColumbiaRiver/TheDalles.aspx.
Schedule of Programs
Learn about birds of prey and raptors up close and personal with Corps partners U.S Forest Service and the Rowena Wildlife Clinic, who will offer live raptor viewing at the visitor center throughout the day. Birds may include owls, falcons and hawks.
Eagle Recovery
A 10-minute film about the successes and challenges facing bald eagles in the Columbia River Gorge.
9 a.m.
9:40 a.m.
10:45 a.m.
11:45 a.m.
2 p.m.
Bird on a Wire
Presented by Jeffery Randall, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, The Dalles Dam fisheries biologist
This 20-minute program will explore the effect of avian deterrent wires, used to protect migrating fish species, on overwintering bald eagles as they hunt for fish below The Dalles Dam.
9:20 a.m.
Noon
Eagles, the Come Back Story
Presented by Valerie Glowinski, U.S. Forest Service park ranger
This 45-minute program will cover the history of the bald eagles’ decline in population and their remarkable comeback.
10 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
Raptor Jeopardy
Presented by Amber Tilton, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, The Dalles Dam park ranger
This 45-minute interactive program will help visitors get to know the raptor family tree, followed by a game of “Raptor Jeopardy.”
11 a.m.
1:15 p.m.