In southeast Calgary’s Carburn Park, local naturalist Brian Keating swiftly spotted two bald eagles along the river. Keating mentioned that this particular pair has been nesting in Calgary for many years, making it a common sight in the park. The Bow River’s environment provides an ideal habitat for bald eagles to reside in the city year-round, leading to increased sightings of these iconic birds across Alberta.
Colin Weir, managing director of the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation in Coaldale, noted the expanding presence of bald eagles in Alberta, especially along Prairie rivers in recent years. He explained that the province’s bald eagle population consists of both year-round residents, like those in Calgary, and migratory birds that nest in places such as Banff but migrate to warmer regions during the winter. Southern Alberta’s rivers offer rich food sources, including fish and migratory ducks, contributing to the eagles’ thriving habitat.
Bald eagles have been observed in unexpected locations in Alberta, such as agricultural areas far from major bodies of water. Weir mentioned that these birds scavenge near farms and feedlots, often feeding on dead livestock. Keating highlighted the results of the local Christmas Bird Count, where over 400 bald eagles were recorded, indicating a significant increase compared to previous decades.
NatureCounts, a platform aggregating wildlife data through citizen science, revealed a rise in bald eagle populations across North America. This recovery followed the species being designated as endangered in the 1970s in the United States. Conservation efforts, such as translocating Canadian bald eagles to the U.S. for breeding and banning harmful pesticides, have contributed to the species’ resurgence. As of 2022, bald eagles have been removed from the endangered species list, with a population increase of over 600% since 1970 in North America.
Despite successful conservation efforts, Canada’s bald eagles still face threats, including habitat loss, environmental contamination, and poaching. Keating emphasized the dangers of lead poisoning from prey exposed to lead ammunition, posing a serious risk to bald eagles. These threats underscore the importance of ongoing conservation measures to protect these majestic birds.