Commuters driving along State Route 6 near Menlo have been bombarded with views of eagles of all sorts the past week flying through the sky. Others have been seen perched atop trees along the river and creeks. One driver was even startled by one sitting on the side of the road. The sightings have only increased and many have been wondering why so many.
Sightings
Most of the sightings of the majestic creatures have been near the Hunt Club Road Bridge just outside Menlo where many anglers converge for steelhead and salmon fishing. Travelers have reported seeing anywhere from 6 to 12 eagles and a few hawks at a time. Some have been seen doing low flyovers of fields looking for a meal.
The Herald ventured out of the Hunt Club Bridge and quickly discovered eagle after eagle and it quickly became a "did I count that one and that one" over and over. After a few counts to ensure accuracy it was determined there were approximately 28 eagles along the bend of the river that could be seen. They appeared to be hunting for fish in the somewhat shallow water that was very clear and smooth.
Why so many?
The best and only answer so far has been the birds have begun migrating and the area has been a quick stop to catch some meals. Eagles and hawks alike prefer the tasty steelhead and salmon that trek up the Willapa River and can be easy pickings when the water is shallow. Field mice, rats, rabbits, and other birds are also preyed upon by the hungry birds as they begin their spring migration.
The sightings have become a welcoming sight that spring is just right around the corner and winter is finally coming to a close. Days have begun to get longer and, well some days, the daytime highs have gotten warmer too. Over the weekend the day time highs were in the mid to high 50's.
According to the American Eagle Society eagles migrate south for the winter looking for a food source and migrate northward during the spring to nest. But in locations that a food source is plentiful they have been known to nest year round.
What have been seen
Numerous bald eagles have been sighted along with a few golden eagles. The bald eagle is one of the most noticeable with its yellow talons, black feathers, and bright white head. Golden eagles on the other hand look like young bald eagles before they get their darker feathers between 2-3 years of age. Golden eagles have light to dark brown feathers speckled with beautiful white feathers throughout that look to sparkle in the sunlight.
Several hawks have been seen as well with most commuters and bird watchers stating the red tailed hawk as the most often scene. For years a smaller red tailed hawk has spent just about every single day perched atop the power lines near the Menlo weigh station. Most mornings the bird is there for a few hours around dawn and the back again at dusk.
Best places to bird watch
So far the majority of the sightings have been between Menlo and Lebam with some seen in other areas. Most of the eagles and hawks have stuck close to the Willapa River and open farm land looking for easy prey. The bridge at Hunt Club Road has been the best spot to go and watch the birds in there natural beauty. Watchers are able to park right off the roadway with an easy trail that takes them down to the water. The last few days the birds haven't been seen all to much.
Another spot has been by the Forks Creek Hatchery just outside Lebam where the water has been the lowest. The area of Globe Farm has been a major section the birds have spent time hunting prey in the fields along with sections of farm land near Lilly Wheaton Road in Menlo.