ROCKPORT, Wash. -- You can hear they are back. Hundreds of bald eagles return to the upper Skagit River ever year.

They visit to feed on spawned out salmon. The eagles also bring thousands of people to feast their eyes on the powerful raptors.

The sight of their huge 5-foot wingspan is enough to stop traffic on Highway 20.

"Last time we saw two. So far, we've seen eight or nine of them," said eagle watcher Bon Eagan.

If you would like to see the eagles along the Skagit you'd better hurry.

The peak viewing time was last week, and this year there are fewer than half as many eagles as last year, according to Deanna Ray Ensley from the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center.

"This year, the fish run is less. The fish runs run in cycles every other year. Last year there was a big fish run," she said. "There were around 850 eagles. This year, (with the) smaller fish run, (there are) about half as many eagles."

At their peak this year, spotters counted 275 bald eagles hunting for fish on the Skagit. Over the next month the eagles will move on, following the fish. Some fly as far as Alaska.

"Really surprised at how big these birds are," said eagle watcher Chris Olsen. "They are very impressive, gorgeous."

More Information:

Skagit River Bald Eagle Awareness Team