No, golden eagles are not commonly seen in West Tennessee. These majestic birds of prey prefer vast open areas such as landscapes that include cliffs, mountains, or hills, which are not the predominant features of West Tennessee’s geography.
Habitat Preferences of Golden Eagles
Golden eagles are known to breed in forested areas near large bodies of water, while they tend to winter on reservoirs and large rivers in Tennessee. Their preferred habitat is characterized by the presence of cliffs, mountains, or hills, which provide them with the necessary nesting sites and hunting grounds.
Documented Sightings in Tennessee
While golden eagles are not frequently observed in West Tennessee, there have been documented sightings of these birds in other regions of the state. In January 2012, six different locations in eastern Tennessee were recorded as having golden eagle sightings. Additionally, efforts have been made to monitor and study the movements of golden eagles in Tennessee, particularly in Middle Tennessee, where biologists have recorded images of these birds in multiple locations across the state.
Migration Patterns
Golden eagles are known to migrate to Tennessee for the winter, arriving in late October and reaching peak numbers of 300 to 500 individuals in late January to mid-February. This migratory behavior is likely driven by the availability of food sources, as golden eagles are opportunistic feeders that prefer fish, large birds, injured waterfowl, mammals, and carrion.
Population Estimates
The size of the golden eagle population in Tennessee is not well-known, as they are considered rare in the state. However, efforts have been made to capture and track the movements of these birds. In 2017, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) successfully captured two juvenile male golden eagles and fitted them with transmitters to monitor their movements.
Conservation Efforts
While golden eagles are not commonly found in West Tennessee, their presence in other parts of the state has prompted conservation efforts. Biologists and wildlife agencies have been working to better understand the movements and population dynamics of golden eagles in Tennessee, with the goal of protecting these birds and their habitats.
Conclusion
In summary, while golden eagles are not commonly seen in West Tennessee, they have been documented in other regions of the state, particularly in eastern Tennessee. These birds prefer vast open areas with cliffs, mountains, or hills, which are not the predominant features of West Tennessee’s geography. However, their migratory patterns and occasional sightings in the state have led to ongoing efforts to monitor and study the golden eagle population in Tennessee.
References:
– Golden Eagle Demographics & Population, eagles.org
– Bald Eagle information from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources, tn.gov
– 2 Types of Eagles Found in Tennessee! (ID Guide), birdwatchinghq.com
– Golden Eagles – Tennessee Watchable Wildlife, tnwatchablewildlife.org
– List of Hawks, Eagles, & Falcons in Tennessee with Pictures, animalspot.net
