At Carburn Park in southeast Calgary, local naturalist Brian Keating quickly spotted two bald eagles near the river. Keating mentioned that this specific pair has been nesting in Calgary for many years, making it almost a guarantee to see an eagle when visiting the park.
Bald eagles are commonly seen in Calgary due to the favorable habitat provided by the Bow River, allowing them to reside in the city year-round. Their presence is becoming more frequent across Alberta as their populations increase and habitat expands, partly due to conservation efforts.
Colin Weir, managing director of the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation, shared insights on bald eagles in Alberta. He noted that in the past decade, there has been a noticeable rise in bald eagles extending their territory, particularly along Prairie rivers.
The bald eagle population in Alberta consists of both resident birds and migratory individuals that nest in places like Banff but spend winters in warmer regions. Southern Alberta’s rivers offer excellent nesting sites for these birds, abundant with food sources like fish and migratory ducks.
Apart from traditional habitats near water bodies, bald eagles have been spotted in unexpected locations such as agricultural areas far from major water sources. They are known to scavenge on dead livestock found in farms and feedlots, utilizing these resources for sustenance.
Recent data from the local Christmas Bird Count in Calgary revealed a significant increase in the number of bald eagles present, surpassing 400 individuals. This surge in numbers indicates a positive trend for the species locally.
NatureCounts, a platform aggregating wildlife data through citizen science, indicates a growing bald eagle population trend across North America. Conservation efforts in the U.S. since the 1970s, including the banning of harmful pesticides and legal protections for the species, have led to a remarkable recovery of bald eagles.
Despite their resurgence, bald eagles in Canada still face threats such as habitat loss, environmental contamination, and illegal activities like poaching. Conservationists emphasize the importance of addressing these challenges to ensure the continued success of bald eagle populations in the region.
