Yes, bald eagles can indeed be found in Houston and the surrounding areas, although they are not a common sight. The eastern half of Texas, including the coastal counties from Rockport to Houston, is home to breeding populations of bald eagles.
Bald Eagles in Texas
Bald eagles in Texas nest from October to July, with the peak of egg-laying occurring in December and hatching primarily in January. Females can lay a clutch of up to three eggs, and young eagles generally fly from the nest in 11 to 12 weeks. However, adults continue to feed them for four to six weeks while they learn to hunt.
Bald eagle nests are primarily constructed by females, with males assisting. Nests are often vast in size, frequently measuring six feet in width and weighing hundreds of pounds. The nests can be used for a number of years, with birds adding new material every year.
Bald Eagles in the Houston Area
In the Houston area, a pair of bald eagles has been known to return to nest inside a large tree on Paul White’s property in Webster. White, a retired professional videographer, tracks the parent birds’ return each year with video cameras and shares footage on his Facebook page.
In terms of specific numbers, there are believed to be around 160 active bald eagle nests in Texas, up from just five in 1971. While bald eagles are not a common sight in Houston, their population has been steadily increasing in the state, and they can occasionally be spotted in the area.
Bald Eagle Habitat and Behavior
Bald eagles prefer to nest near large bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, where they can easily access their primary food source: fish. They are also known to feed on small mammals, birds, and carrion.
Bald eagles are known for their impressive wingspan, which can reach up to eight feet. They are also known for their distinctive white head and tail feathers, which they acquire as they mature. Juvenile bald eagles, on the other hand, have a more mottled brown appearance.
Bald Eagle Conservation Efforts
Bald eagles were once listed as an endangered species in the United States, but their population has since rebounded thanks to conservation efforts. In 1963, the bald eagle was placed on the Endangered Species List, and hunting and habitat destruction were banned.
Since then, the bald eagle population has steadily increased, and the species was removed from the Endangered Species List in 2007. However, they are still protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which prohibits the hunting, killing, or possession of these birds.
Bald Eagle Viewing Opportunities in Houston
While bald eagles are not a common sight in Houston, there are a few places where you may be able to spot them. One of the best places to see bald eagles in the Houston area is at the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, located about an hour east of the city.
The refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, and offers several hiking trails and observation platforms where visitors can try to catch a glimpse of these majestic birds.
Another option for bald eagle viewing in the Houston area is the Brazos Bend State Park, located about an hour southwest of the city. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, and offers several hiking trails and observation platforms.
Conclusion
While bald eagles are not a common sight in Houston, they can be found in the area, particularly in the eastern half of Texas. Conservation efforts have helped to increase the bald eagle population in the state, and there are a few places where visitors can try to catch a glimpse of these impressive birds.
References:
– Houston Humane Wildlife – Eagles Over Houston
– Houston Chronicle – Texas Bald Eagles
– Texas Highways – Where to See Bald Eagles in Texas
