Melissa asked about the density. On Saturday there were perhaps 200 folks
at Rockport and the viewing areas upstream. There were only a few eagles
visible at any of these locations, and these were all perched in the
trees.Chatting with the volunteers, we learned that the salmon run has
virtually ended and thus the eagles were way down compared to a few weeks
ago. At a spot where we counted 42 last year, we had to look hard to find
three.

We drove to Rockport via the Stillaguamish, through Darrington, then down
the Sauk (the ONLY way to go!). We saw more eagles there than on the
Skagit, and not a birder to be seen. The highlight was on a wooded
stretch of the highway out of Darrington where a mature eagle flew down
the centerline of the road at perhaps 40' for two miles. I slowed down to
stay right under him/her; averaged just over 35mph. Highlight of the day.

We quickly left the Skagit for the Samish Flats; lots of eagles there,
and lots of other raptors; and birders. Later we watched the thousands of
snow geese on Fir Island taking flight as occasional eagles flew nearby.
Unforgettable!

Hope this helps.....

John
NE Seattle
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