In southeast Calgary’s Carburn Park, local naturalist Brian Keating easily spotted two bald eagles near the river. Keating mentioned that this pair has been nesting in Calgary for many years, making it almost guaranteed to see an eagle in the park. The Bow River in Calgary provides an excellent habitat for bald eagles to reside year-round, leading to more frequent sightings of these iconic birds across the province as their populations grow due to conservation efforts.
Bald eagles can now be found in various locations throughout Alberta, from the Bow River to the grasslands. At the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation wildlife rehabilitation center in Coaldale, managing director Colin Weir works closely with bald eagles and other raptors from all over the province. Weir noted a significant increase in bald eagle sightings along Prairie rivers in the past decade, indicating their expanding habitat.
The province’s bald eagle population consists of both resident birds, like those in Calgary during winter, and migratory birds that nest in areas such as Banff but spend winters in warmer regions. Southern Alberta’s rivers provide an exceptional environment for these birds to nest, offering abundant food sources like fish and migratory ducks.
Bald eagles have been observed in unexpected places, such as fields far from major water bodies, where they scavenge on dead livestock. Keating highlighted the results of the recent local Christmas Bird Count, revealing over 400 bald eagles in and around Calgary. This significant increase in sightings reflects a positive trend in the species’ conservation.
According to NatureCounts, bald eagle populations have been on the rise across North America, with a notable recovery after being designated an endangered species in the 1970s. Conservation efforts, including the banning of harmful pesticides and legal protection for the birds, have led to a remarkable resurgence in bald eagle numbers. As of 2022, there has been a population surge of over 600% since 1970, resulting in the removal of bald eagles from the endangered species list.
Despite these successes, Canadian bald eagles still face threats, including habitat loss, environmental contamination, and poaching. Lead poisoning, primarily from lead ammunition used by hunters, poses a severe risk to bald eagles. This toxic substance can contaminate prey and cause harm to eagles that consume contaminated remains. Conservationists emphasize the importance of addressing these threats to ensure the continued well-being of Canada’s bald eagle population.
