Local naturalist Brian Keating easily spotted two bald eagles near the river at Carburn Park in southeast Calgary.
Keating mentioned that this pair of eagles has been nesting in Calgary for many years, making it almost guaranteed to see them at the park.
Bald eagles are a common sight in Calgary due to the ideal habitat provided by the Bow River, allowing them to reside in the city throughout the year.
The population of these iconic birds is increasing in Alberta as they expand their habitat, thanks to conservation efforts.
Why Bald Eagles Thrive in Alberta
Bald eagles are found in various locations across Alberta, from the Bow River to the grasslands.
Colin Weir, the managing director at the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation in Coaldale, noted the significant increase in bald eagles expanding into Prairie rivers over the past decade.
Weir explained that Alberta’s bald eagle population consists of both year-round residents and migratory birds that nest in places like Banff but spend winters in warmer regions.
The southern Alberta rivers provide an excellent habitat for bald eagles with abundant food sources such as fish and migratory ducks.
Bald eagles can also be found in unexpected places, like agricultural areas, where they scavenge on dead livestock.
Weir highlighted the connection between the presence of bald eagles and the availability of food sources in such areas.
During the latest Christmas Bird Count in Calgary, over 400 bald eagles were recorded, indicating a significant increase compared to previous years.
Keating emphasized the positive impact of conservation efforts on the bald eagle population.
A Conservation Success Story
NatureCounts data shows a rise in bald eagle populations across North America, with a notable recovery after being designated an endangered species in the 1970s.
The historic persecution of bald eagles due to misconceptions about their diet and behavior led to a sharp decline in their numbers.
Conservation initiatives, such as breeding programs and the banning of harmful pesticides, have contributed to the resurgence of bald eagles across North America.
With a population increase of over 600% since 1970, bald eagles have been successfully removed from the endangered species list.
Birds Canada estimates that there are approximately 110,000 bald eagles in Canada.
<div
