| The next few weeks
are the prime time for viewing eagles at Goldstream Park. More than
100 bald eagles have arrived at the park, lured by the buffet of
dead salmon remaining after this year’s spawn. 
Since 1996, over 300 of these majestic birds have visited Goldstream
Park, with the numbers increasing significantly since that time,
with the establishment of a quiet, human-free zone within the estuary.
“I wish I could take credit for the Quiet Zone,” Goldstream Park
naturalist Darren Copley said in a news release. “But it was really
Mother Nature.”
He said there were fewer than five eagles when he started working
at Goldstream Park 10 years ago.
The visitor centre at the park would close for several months
each year after the salmon run.
Copley said the eagle population soared when the lower part of
the river flooded, washing out trails that led to the estuary.
“When a black bear ventured into the estuary to feed off the dead
salmon, an even larger area was set aside for wildlife,” Copley
said.
The increase in the size of the protected area resulted in more
than 160 eagles coming to the park that winter, and the numbers
continue to rise.
“We are now able to keep the visitor centre open year-round while
keeping the estuary closed to enjoy hundreds of wintering Bald Eagles,”
Copley said.
He said the best time to view the eagles is during low tide, when
the dead fish are exposed.
The visitor centre has telescopes and remote video cameras that
enable excellent viewing, and trained naturalists are on hand to
answer questions.
Although the provincial government eliminated funding for the visitor
centre last March, Copley said the support of the public and an
enthusiastic, dedicated group of volunteers have managed to keep
the operation afloat.
He said the fund-raising efforts of the Habitat Acquisition Trust
has also been instrumental.
The park’s Visitors’ Centre is open every day at 9 a.m. to 4:30
p.m.
Call 478-9414 to make a donation, or for more information.
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