Yes, there are bald eagles in Maryland. In fact, Maryland is home to an estimated 1400 breeding pairs of bald eagles, making it one of the most successful states in the lower 48 for bald eagle recovery. The Chesapeake Bay region hosts the largest concentration of bald eagles in the lower 48 states, with at least 600 pairs currently breeding in Maryland.

Bald Eagle Characteristics

Bald eagles are large raptors with a length of about 3 feet, a wingspan of 6-7 feet, and a weight of 10-14 lbs. Female bald eagles are larger than the males, which is common among birds of prey. The adult bald eagle has a white head and tail, a solid brown body, and yellow bill and feet. Juveniles have blotchy patches of white on their bodies, but they do not gain the distinctive white head until about 5 years of age.

Bald Eagle Nesting and Breeding in Maryland

Image source: Pexels by Frank Cone

Bald eagles in Maryland lay their eggs in late January in the lower Eastern Shore and southern Maryland, while eagles along the upper Chesapeake Bay and inland lay eggs in late February or early March. The nesting season in Maryland starts in October, with pair formation and construction of large stick nests in the upper crotch of tall trees. Eggs are usually laid in February, but pairs in southern parts of Maryland occasionally start laying their eggs in January. The clutch of 1-3 eggs usually hatch by mid April, and the nestlings fledge out of their nest in May-June.

Bald Eagle Hunting and Feeding Habits

Bald eagles have excellent vision that allows them to identify prey from long distances. They will often hunt from a perch, and once a fish is spotted in the water, they will glide down over the surface and snatch the fish out with their powerful talons. A bald eagle can lift prey that weighs up to 4 pounds. Carp, catfish, and eels are popular with bald eagles in the Bay area, but they also feed on muskrats, rabbits, ducks, snakes, turtles, and carrion.

Bald Eagle Habitat and Nesting Sites

Bald eagles mate for life and build their nests in tall trees near rivers, bays, and wetland areas. About 60% of the bald eagle nests in the Chesapeake Bay region are located in mature loblolly pine trees. Nests are made of sticks and contain grass, pine needles, and sometimes pieces of cornstalks. Eagles add to their nests each year, and after many years of successful nest building, their homes may grow to around 10 feet in diameter, 12 feet deep, with a weight of up to 2 tons.

Bald Eagle Conservation Efforts in Maryland

Bald eagles have few enemies, but at times humans certainly have been one of them. Like many birds of prey, bald eagles suffered during the 60s and 70s due to the rampant use of DDT and other dangerous pesticides. Research done at Maryland’s Patuxent Research Refuge was used in Rachel Carson’s classic book “Silent Spring,” and alerted scientists, and politicians to the fact that DDT was harming bird populations. Fortunately, DDT was banned in the U.S. in 1972, and thanks to the Endangered Species Act (ESA), as well as the hard work of many dedicated people, birds of prey are beginning to rebound. In 2007, the bald eagle was officially removed from protection under the Endangered Species Act because the population has recovered; however, bald eagles still have some legal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald Eagle Protection Act, although they will lose the habitat protection that was afforded them under the ESA.

References:
– Friends of Blackwater – Eagle Facts
– Maryland Birds – Bald Eagle Nest Monitoring
– Reddit – Bald Eagle in MD
– DPReview Forums – Bald Eagle in MD
– Maryland Birds – Bald Eagle Biology