Local naturalist Brian Keating quickly spotted two bald eagles along the river at Carburn Park in southeast Calgary.
Keating mentioned that this particular pair has been nesting in Calgary for many years, making it almost certain to see an eagle when visiting the park.
Bald eagles are a common sight in Calgary due to the favorable habitat provided by the Bow River, allowing them to reside in the city year-round.
With their distinctive plumage, the iconic birds of prey are increasingly visible across Alberta as they expand their habitat and populations increase, thanks to conservation endeavors.
Why do bald eagles come to Alberta?
From the Bow River to the grasslands, bald eagles can be found in various locations throughout Alberta.
Colin Weir, the managing director at the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation wildlife rehabilitation center in Coaldale, noted the increasing presence of bald eagles in Prairie rivers over the past decade.
According to Weir, both year-round resident eagles, like those in Calgary during winter, and migratory birds that nest in areas such as Banff but winter in warmer regions, contribute to Alberta’s bald eagle population.
“Southern Alberta rivers provide exceptional nesting grounds for these birds, with abundant food sources such as fish and migratory ducks,” Weir explained.
Additionally, bald eagles can be found in unexpected places, such as fields far from major water bodies.
Weir highlighted that these birds often dwell near agricultural areas where they can scavenge on dead livestock found on farms and feedlots.
Discussing bald eagles in Calgary, Keating referred to the results of the recent local Christmas Bird Count, where over 400 birds were recorded, a significant increase compared to previous decades.
“This was unheard of a few decades ago,” Keating remarked.
A tale of successful conservation efforts
NatureCounts compiles data from wildlife sightings and shows a rise in bald eagle populations across North America.
The rebound in population came after the U.S. government classified bald eagles as endangered in the 1970s.
Despite being the U.S. national bird since 1782, bald eagles were once considered pests and were hunted extensively.
Keating explained that the birds were targeted due to misconceptions that they preyed on livestock, although such incidents are rare.
