Golden Eagles are not commonly found in Maryland, as they prefer vast open areas such as landscapes with cliffs, mountains, or hills. However, they can occasionally be spotted in the state, particularly in grasslands, farmlands, shrublands, and coniferous woodlands.
Identifying Golden Eagles in Maryland
Golden Eagles are large birds of prey, with a length of 26-40 inches (66-100 cm), a weight of 6.5-16 lbs (3-7 kg), and a wingspan of 71-91 inches (1.8-2.3 meters). They are brown in color with slightly lighter feathers mixed in and have a white band on the tail. Immature Bald Eagles and adult Golden Eagles can be easily confused, but the distinguishing feature is that the Bald Eagle doesn’t mind showing a little leg, whereas the Golden Eagle has feathers all the way down to the top of their feet.
Nesting Habits of Golden Eagles in Maryland
Golden Eagles are known to prefer cliffs to build their nests on, but they also have no problem using trees, observation towers, or nesting platforms. They have even been known to nest on the ground. The most important feature these birds look for when it comes to building a nest is that it needs to have a good view of its surroundings.
Bald Eagles in Maryland
Although Golden Eagles are not commonly seen in Maryland, the state is home to a significant population of Bald Eagles. From an all-time low of 44 nesting pairs in the state in 1977, it is estimated that at least 1400 pairs currently breed in Maryland. The Chesapeake Bay region hosts the largest concentration of Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states.
Habitat and Behavior of Golden Eagles in Maryland
Golden Eagles are known to prefer vast open areas such as landscapes with cliffs, mountains, or hills. They can also be found in grasslands, farmlands, shrublands, arctic tundra, and coniferous woodlands. These eagles are not extremely noisy and have calls that sound like weak and high whistles.
Conservation Efforts for Golden Eagles in Maryland
While Golden Eagles are not a common sight in Maryland, the state’s conservation efforts have focused primarily on the Bald Eagle population. The Bald Eagle’s recovery in Maryland is considered a success story, with the state’s population growing from just 44 nesting pairs in 1977 to an estimated 1400 pairs today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Golden Eagles are not a common sight in Maryland, they can be found in the state, particularly in open areas with cliffs or other high vantage points. Maryland is also home to a thriving population of Bald Eagles, making it an excellent destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
References:
– Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership, “Bald Eagle Nest Monitoring”
– Maryland Biodiversity Project, “Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)”
– Maryland DNR, “Bald Eagle”
– Badgerland Birding, “Eagles of Maryland (2 Species to Know)”
– Bird Watching HQ, “2 Types of Eagles Found in Maryland! (ID Guide)”
