Yes, there are bald eagles in the Mid-Atlantic region, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay area, which is home to the largest concentrations of bald eagles in the lower 48 states, with an estimated 600 or more pairs breeding in Maryland alone. The bald eagle population in the Chesapeake Bay has significantly increased in the past decade due to a ban on the use of harmful pesticides like DDT. In 2020, 3,000 breeding pairs of bald eagles were estimated to be in the Chesapeake Bay, up 1,000 pairs from 2016.
Bald Eagle Characteristics
Bald eagles are large birds with a wingspan of over 6 feet and a height of nearly 3 feet, weighing between 8-15 pounds. They have a distinctive white head and tail, with a solid brown body, and yellow bill and feet. Females are slightly larger than males.
Bald Eagle Habitat in the Mid-Atlantic
Bald eagles are found in Maryland all year round, with most being concentrated along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. They build their nests in large trees, either pines or hardwoods, usually at the edge of a wooded area, and often near water sources such as lakes, reservoirs, rivers, marshes, and coasts. Nests are built from sticks in the upper crotch of trees and can be 4 to 5 feet wide and more than 3 feet deep.
Bald Eagle Diet
Fish make up a major portion of bald eagle diets, but they are also opportunistic feeders and will dine on other birds, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians if available. In Maryland, bald eagles start courting in December, lay their clutch of one to three eggs in March, and begin incubating immediately. Young eagles remain in the nest for about 12 weeks, and by August have learned to hunt and fish on their own.
Bald Eagle Conservation Efforts
Bald eagles were once labeled as Endangered in Maryland and throughout much of its range, but due to conservation efforts, they have made a tremendous comeback. In August 2007, the Bald Eagle was removed from the Federal Endangered Species list, and in April 2010, it was removed from Maryland’s list of threatened and endangered species.
Bald Eagle Population in the Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay is home to the largest concentrations of bald eagles in the lower 48 states, with an estimated 600 or more pairs breeding in Maryland alone. In 2020, 3,000 breeding pairs of bald eagles were estimated to be in the Chesapeake Bay, up 1,000 pairs from 2016.
Bald Eagle Nesting Habits
Bald eagles build their nests in large trees, either pines or hardwoods, usually at the edge of a wooded area, and often near water sources such as lakes, reservoirs, rivers, marshes, and coasts. Nests are built from sticks in the upper crotch of trees and can be 4 to 5 feet wide and more than 3 feet deep.
Bald Eagle Breeding and Feeding
Fish make up a major portion of bald eagle diets, but they are also opportunistic feeders and will dine on other birds, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians if available. In Maryland, bald eagles start courting in December, lay their clutch of one to three eggs in March, and begin incubating immediately. Young eagles remain in the nest for about 12 weeks, and by August have learned to hunt and fish on their own.
Bald Eagle Conservation Status
Bald eagles were once labeled as Endangered in Maryland and throughout much of its range, but due to conservation efforts, they have made a tremendous comeback. In August 2007, the Bald Eagle was removed from the Federal Endangered Species list, and in April 2010, it was removed from Maryland’s list of threatened and endangered species.
References:
– Maryland Birds – Bald Eagle Biology
– Maryland Department of Natural Resources – Bald Eagle
– Friends of Blackwater – Bald Eagle Facts
– Herald Mail Media – Return of a Maryland Native: The Bald Eagle Story
– Chesapeake Bay Program – What’s at Risk: Bald Eagles
