At Carburn Park in southeast Calgary, local naturalist Brian Keating swiftly spotted a pair of bald eagles by the river. Keating mentioned that these eagles have been nesting in the area for many years, making it almost a guarantee to see them at the park. The Bow River in Calgary provides an excellent habitat for bald eagles to reside in the city year-round, leading to more frequent sightings of these iconic birds across the province.
Bald eagles can be seen in various locations throughout Alberta, from the Bow River to the grasslands. Colin Weir, the managing director of the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation in Coaldale, noted the significant increase in bald eagle sightings along Prairie rivers over the past decade. He explained that the province’s bald eagle population consists of both year-round residents and migratory birds, attracted to the abundant food sources found in southern Alberta’s rivers.
The latest local Christmas Bird Count revealed a remarkable increase in the number of bald eagles in and around Calgary, with over 400 individuals recorded, a stark contrast to previous decades. Conservation efforts have played a vital role in the resurgence of bald eagle populations, with data from NatureCounts indicating a positive trend in North America. The species was once endangered due to widespread hunting and misconceptions about their impact on livestock but has since rebounded significantly.
Despite their recovery, bald eagles in Canada still face threats such as poaching, habitat loss, and environmental contamination. Keating emphasized the dangers of lead poisoning, a severe issue affecting bald eagles due to exposure through contaminated prey. Conservationists stress the importance of protecting these majestic birds and their habitats to ensure their continued survival.
The success story of bald eagles serves as a testament to the positive impact of conservation efforts and highlights the importance of ongoing protection measures for these iconic birds.