This year, volunteers with the Brackendale Eagle Count recorded the highest number of these raptors since 2007.

There were 1,617 eagles spotted in 21 locations in areas around the town south of Squamish.

That's more than double the 804 eagles counted in 2013.

Bald eagles gather near Brackendale to feed on spawning salmon.

December and January are the best months to see these birds.

This year's result marks a rebound to the numbers seen in the earlier part of the 21st century.

From 2000 to 2007, annual figures ranged from a high of 2,466 to a low of 1,577.

A world record 3,769 eagles were counted around Brackendale in 1994.

Two years later, thanks to the efforts of local residents Thor Froslev and Len Goldsmith, the B.C. government created a 550-hectare Class A park called the Brackendale Eagle Reserve.