Yes, there are bald eagles in Boulder, Colorado. The Boulder Creek Pair is a well-known and well-studied pair of bald eagles that have been nesting in the area since at least 2006. Boulder County is home to a diverse array of natural resources, including two species of eagles that call this area their home: the golden eagle and the bald eagle.
The Boulder Creek Pair
The Boulder Creek nest is one of the largest and most conspicuous in the study area, and it is located along a rich stream corridor with adjacent ponds and wetlands, many of which originated from gravel quarry mining in the 1950s. The Boulder Creek eagles have been successful in fledging young every year since studies of the nest began in 2016.
Nesting Habits
Bald eagles prefer nesting near open water where they can feed their offspring with a steady supply of fish, though in Boulder County, they also take a significant amount of prairie dogs. The presence of this prey at Carolyn Holmberg Preserve has aided in the success of a bald eagle nest on the property, despite the nest site being located only 100 meters off the trails, well within Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s recommended buffer zone of a half-mile.
Seasonal Nesting Closures
Boulder County enacts seasonal nesting closures to ensure that these majestic creatures have a home for years to come, in accordance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940. These closures help to protect the bald eagles and their habitat from human disturbance during the critical nesting season.
Bald Eagles in Boulder County
Image source: Pexels by Frank Cone
Boulder County is home to a diverse array of natural resources, including two species of eagles that call this area their home: the golden eagle and the bald eagle. These majestic birds are protected by federal and state laws, and Boulder County is taking steps to ensure their continued presence in the area.
Golden Eagles
In addition to the bald eagles, Boulder County is also home to golden eagles. Golden eagles are larger than bald eagles and have a distinctive golden-brown plumage on their heads and necks. They are also known for their impressive hunting skills, often preying on small mammals and birds.
Protecting Eagle Habitat
Boulder County enacts seasonal nesting closures to ensure that these majestic creatures have a home for years to come, in accordance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940. These closures help to protect the bald eagles and their habitat from human disturbance during the critical nesting season.
Conclusion
In summary, bald eagles are present in Boulder, Colorado, and Boulder County is taking steps to protect these majestic creatures and their habitat. The Boulder Creek Pair is a well-known and well-studied pair of bald eagles that have been nesting in the area since at least 2006, and Boulder County enacts seasonal nesting closures to ensure that bald eagles and other majestic creatures have a home for years to come.
References:
– Boulder County Bald Eagles
– The Boulder Creek Pair
– Protecting the Eagles of Boulder County
