The Bald Eagle is making a strong comeback on Chesapeake Bay, but a sighting is still rare and exciting. Back in the early sixties, it was learned that the pesticide DDT was having a disastrous effect on breeding raptors, causing the decline and almost extinction of the eagle in the United States.

The eagle grows to almost 4 feet tall with a wingspan of up to 7 feet. In flight, they hold their wings flat and straight, unlike the bay’s other large raptor, the osprey, which has a back-curved wing at the wrist-joint.

The eagle perches at the very top of tall trees, using its incredible eyesight to spy prey. Once identified, the bird swoops down and grasps the prey with their talons. Eagles are opportunistic predators and scavengers. They get their food by direct capture or by stealing from other eagles or smaller birds. Not fussy, they prefer fish, but also hunt birds, mammals and will scavenge carrion.

They build their massive nests of large sticks and twigs near the top of mature trees, usually evergreen loblolly pines close to the water. One to three eggs are laid in late winter or early spring. Chicks fledge in about 3 months, but rely on their parents for a number of weeks. These family groups are more easily seen and identified. One parent and the young will soar above as the other parent demonstrates fishing techniques.

Until the young birds reach the age of four, the eagles are considered immature. They are all brown or a mottled brown and white, depending on their maturity. The head and tail do not become that iconic white until the bald eagle reaches adulthood. It is only when adulthood is reached that they establish breeding territories. Until then, they wander throughout the Bay region to hunt.

There was a time when the bald eagle was hunted for its feathers. Fortunately it is a protected species now. However, since its healthy comeback from the DDT disaster, it is no longer on the endangered list. Slowly, but surely the eagle is spreading out once again to its natural territories. The only thing holding it back now is a shrinking habitat. The eagle needs forested areas near bodies of water. The encroaching development of these pristine habitats will continue to limit the breeding pairs on and around the Chesapeake.

Mating pairs draw attention when they engage in courting flight displays. They circle and cartwheel, lock feet together and tumble at great speeds. Breaking off before reaching the ground, they gain altitude and do it again. The eagle’s vocalization is a sharp, cackling – “keeeek, kek, ek, ek.”

Also by this author, see Chesapeake Wildlife: The Osprey , The Great Blue Heron

© 2010 Consumer Guide by David Sullivan