Bird-watching is popular in the mountains, thanks to the
approximately 300 resident bird species and the millions of
migratory birds that pass through each year. All it takes is a
pair of binoculars, a good book detailing species, and patience.
Dense forests hide many species, making them seem less common
than they actually are. The Columbia River wetland, between
Radium Hot Springs and Golden, lies on the Pacific Flyway and is
a major bird-watching area. A wide variety of raptors are
present in the Canadian Rockies—some call the mountains home
year-round, while others pass through during annual spring and
fall migrations. Golden eagles migrate across the Canadian
Rockies, heading north in spring to Alaska and crossing back
over in fall en route to Midwest wintering grounds. Golden
eagles—more than 10,000 of them annually—soar high above the
mountains on thermal drafts. Bald eagles also soar over the
Canadian Rockies during annual migrations; mature birds can be
distinguished from below by their white head an