The annual migration of hundreds of bald eagles to the Skagit River will be celebrated this weekend in Rockport, Concrete and Marblemount during the 21st annual Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival.

The iconic birds of prey migrate here every winter from British Columbia and Alaska to feast on Pacific salmon after the fish have spawned.

This weekend, the eagles will have company as the two-day festival is expected to draw about 5,000 people.

The weekend event will provide ample opportunity to learn about eagles, along with the chance to see the birds in their natural environment.

During the peak viewing season of mid-December to mid-January, it’s not uncommon for Highway 20 travelers to see as many as 100 eagles.

The stretch of river between Rockport and Marblemount is typically the most popular with the eagles because of the nearby forest and plentiful salmon carcasses, but the birds are always on the move.

“They move where the salmon move,” said Judy Hemenway, board president of the Skagit River Bald Eagle Awareness Team. “Last week, the eagles were further up the river toward Newhalem, but yesterday, there were a lot near Concrete.”

Overall, this year’s eagle counts have been average, Hemenway said, with a high count of 270 birds spotted during the second week of January.

During the festival, bus tours departing from Concrete High School will take participants to the best bald eagle viewing areas.

Interpreters are also stationed at several sites along Highway 20.

The event will feature discussions and displays focusing on the natural and cultural history of the upper Skagit River, along with music and art.

On Saturday, Jon Riedel, a geologist with the North Cascades National Park, will lead a presentation on “The History of Climate Change in the Skagit Valley” beginning at 12:15 p.m. in the Concrete High School library.

On Sunday, Nan Laney of the Grizzly Bear Outreach Project will discuss grizzly bears and the North Cascades ecosystem beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the Concrete High School library.

Staff from the Sardis Raptor Center will also be on hand with live birds of prey during a series of programs in the morning and afternoon on both Saturday and Sunday in the Concrete High School multipurpose room.

Hemenway recommends that visitors bring several layers of warm clothing, food, water, camera and a pair of binoculars.

AT A GLANCE
• WHAT: The Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival
• WHEN: Saturday Jan. 26 and Sunday Jan. 27
• WHERE: Most festival events are at the Concrete High and Middle schools’ campus, 7830 S. Superior Ave.
• CONTACT: Call the festival at 360-853-7283, or the Skagit Bald Eagle Interpretive Center in Rockport at 360-853-7626
• For a complete schedule, visit http://www.skagiteagle.org