THE END OF THE GOLDSTREAM Salmon Run is a signal to the Bald Eagles that it is time to return to Goldstream for their annual salmon feast. Record numbers of Bald Eagles have been returning to the park - up to 276 in one day! - for the past three winters. By closing the estuary to people, the birds can feed undisturbed while visitors are able to see them up close with the use of a video camera and telescopes. This protective measure has proven extremely effective.

This winter, from early December until the end of February, Goldstream Provincial Park's Visitor Centre will be celebrating the return of the Bald Eagles with special programs and exhibits focusing on birds of prey. Keeping the visitor centre open at this time of year is due entirely to public support from donations at the door!

Free school programs occur throughout the week (teachers must book ahead) and visitors are welcome to join in. Check out the exciting weekend and holiday activities as well (yes, something for the kids when school is out)!

Don't forget to make a track-print card or wrapping paper to take home for Christmas, or get your face painted like an eagle! There is hot coffee and baked goods available at the book store and the fire is usually lit to warm yourselves after a nice walk along the river. Park in the main-picnic-area-parking-lot off the Island Highway at Finlayson Arm Road. Come find out what fun is all about at the Eagle Extravaganza; right here in Goldstream Provincial Park! Call (250) 478-9414 for more information! Open 9:00am to 4:30pm daily (closed Christmas day).

The Goldstream estuary has become a favourite winter dining spot for Bald Eagles. They flock to these feeding grounds to feast on the high-protein Chum Salmon carcasses - all that remains of the salmon run. Have a look at the graph; notice the recent rise in Bald Eagle numbers? This is because the estuary is now closed to public access. A little bit of history...

In the winter of 1990-1991, a quiet zone was created on the lower stretch of the Goldstream River. This Quiet Zone resulted in increasing numbers of Bald Eagles. Four years later, in the fall of 1994, a Black Bear entered the estuary to feed on the salmon. Rather than removing the Black Bear, the estuary was closed off to the public for the duration of the salmon run.

The absence of people in the area also provided eagles with a place to feed; free from human interruption. Since closing off the estuary, the number of eagles feeding on the salmon carcasses has risen from a yearly high of 12 to one of 276. More recently, the estuary has been closed all year round, a conservation strategy which has encouraged a pair of eagles to nest here as well. Even a single hiker or kayaker can cause the eagles to fly to safety and miss one of their daily meals.

Please help us ensure that eagles continue to return to Goldstream by respecting the signs around the estuary. It is possible to get a better look at the eagles through the video camera or spotting scope. Please ask one of the staff to operate the video camera.

1. Bring binoculars and a camera. Because of changes in the way BC Parks manages the estuary, the Bald Eagles and other birds of prey are more visible than ever before!



2. Keep out of the estuary and quiet zone along the river - these areas have been set aside for wildlife. Please pass the word on to kayakers and other boaters.



3. Please car pool if possible, there is limited parking.



4. Definitely ask a naturalist to show you the new Bald Eagle nest using a telescope or the video camera.



5. Start your visit at the Nature House. Learn more about eagles and other birds of prey, catch one of the free interpretive programs, or watch the slide show that explains the Bald Eagle life history. Hot beverages, pastries and eagle books are available at the bookstore.



6. Use the viewing platform to get as close as possible to the eagles. Be sure to approach it slowly and quietly. Small children can see better up on your shoulders.



7. The best time to view undisturbed eagle feeding behavior is during a low tide, which is usually in the morning during the winter. More eagles are visible and can be observed on the mud flats.



8. Leave your dog at home. If you do decide to bring a dog it must be on a leash and on the trails.



9. Do not leave your wallet, purse or other valuables in your car.