Yes, there are golden eagles in the Bay Area, specifically in Alameda County, where the highest density of nesting golden eagles in the world is found. The coastal range in the greater Bay Area has the largest golden eagle population in the world, with at least no other studies having published densities of territorial pairs higher than the researchers’ estimate of about 53 pairs per 100 square kilometers.
The Diablo Range: Home to the Largest Breeding Population of Golden Eagles
The northern Diablo Range is home to the largest breeding population of golden eagles on the planet, and the population of golden eagles in the Diablo Range may act as a source to many other, perhaps distant populations of eagles throughout the western U.S.
Golden eagles are found throughout North America, but are more common in western North America. They inhabit a variety of habitats including forests, canyons, shrub lands, grasslands, and oak woodlands. In California, golden eagles are listed as a fully protected species, and their abundance is unknown.
Migration Patterns of Golden Eagles in the Bay Area
Image source: Golden Eagle by Atillak
Most golden eagles in California are resident, but some migrate into California for winter. Those that stay yearlong may move downslope for the winter, or upslope after breeding season.
Breeding and Nesting Habits of Golden Eagles in the Bay Area
Golden eagles breed from late January through August and produce 1-3 eggs. Nests are constructed on platforms on steep cliffs or in large trees.
Prey and Diet of Golden Eagles in the Bay Area
The main prey species for the golden eagle are rabbits, hares and rodents; but eagles will also takes other mammals, birds, and reptiles. Carrion (e.g. carcasses found on the landscape) is also a part of the eagle diet, especially during winter months.
Threats to Golden Eagles in the Bay Area
Threats to this large bird of prey include loss of foraging areas, loss of nesting habitat, pesticide poisoning, lead poisoning, and collision with man-made structures such as wind turbines.
Conservation Efforts for Golden Eagles in the Bay Area
Golden eagles are listed as a fully protected species in California, and efforts are being made to protect their habitat and monitor their population. The Watershed Project, for example, has been studying the golden eagle population in the Bay Area and educating the public about these majestic birds.
In conclusion, the Bay Area, particularly the Diablo Range, is home to the largest breeding population of golden eagles in the world. These birds face a variety of threats, but conservation efforts are underway to protect them and their habitat.
Reference:
– The Watershed Project: What is in Your Watershed – Golden Eagles
– San Francisco Chronicle: Golden eagles are on spectacular display at East Bay’s Mount Diablo
– California Department of Fish and Wildlife: Golden Eagles
– Save Mount Diablo: The Biggest Concentration of Golden Eagles on the Planet in Vicinity Mount Diablo
– San Francisco Zoo: Golden Eagle
