Front Porch

Published 9:10 pm Friday, December 25, 2009

Bald eagles return

Vistors can view and learn about bald eagles along the Skagit River.

Every winter migrating bald eagles show up to eat spawning chum salmon.

Volunteers also show up to teach folks about the birds.

“Volunteers are outfitted with binoculars and have spotting scopes trained on the eagles, so visitors are able to get an up-close look at these amazing birds,” said Tanya Kitterman, Forest Service Eagle Watchers program coordinator. “When you can make out every feather and see them looking back at you, it is exhilarating.”

Visit with Eagle Watchers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends along Highway 20 near Milepost 98 at the Howard Miller Steelhead Park in Rockport; at the Milepost 100 rest area; and at the Marblemount Fish Hatchery.

For more information contact Tanya Kitterman at 360-854-2617.

Library collecting diapers: Folks at the Everett Library are collect diapers for the Everett Gospel Mission Shelter.

Donations of disposable diapers or baby wipes can be dropped off at the main branch of the Everett Public Library, 2707 Hoyt Ave. or the Evergreen Branch, 9512 Evergreen Way until Friday.

“Last year, we had a hat-and-mitten tree, and gave the donated items to the shelter at the end of December,” said Eileen Simmons, director of the Everett Library. “After reading about the need at the shelter, staff decided to make that our holiday donation focus.”

The diapers will be taken to the Everett Gospel Mission’s Women and Children’s shelter throughout the donation period.