Every January and February, dozens of bald eagles migrate south to the Gorge to find areas with large trees to roost and open water for fishing, creating plenty of eagle watching opportunities. This majestic bird of prey has made a powerful comeback from the brink of extinction, nearly being wiped out by hunters, habitat loss, and pesticides. And protections provided by the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area are key to safeguarding eagle habitat along the Columbia River.

In 2021, as a pandemic-safe, virtual alternative to Friends' annual eagle-viewing outings, we partnered with Story Gorge (a Hood River-based multimedia storytelling and education group) as a public education partner to produce a short film with new eagle footage as part of that year's Eagle Watch efforts. The month of special online programming was created in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, Rowena Wildlife Clinic, Story Gorge, and the U.S. Forest Service.