Haliaeetus leucocephalus

The American bald eagle is a magnificent raptor and a fitting national symbol. Bald eagles are found only in North America.

Recovery of the bald eagle is a great conservation success story. On June 28, 2007, the Interior Department took the American bald eagle off the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. The bald eagle is still protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

Utah hosts one of the largest state populations of wintering bald eagles. More than 1,200 bald eagles have been counted in Utah during recent years. They begin to arrive in mid-October, and the majority will head north by mid-March. February is a peak month for bald eagle activity throughout the state.

Studies of marked and transmitter-equipped eagles have revealed that some of Utah's wintering bald eagles nest in areas as far away as the Northwest Territories of Canada. The dependency of migratory species such as the bald eagle on breeding and wintering habitats creates critical ecological links between even very distant locations like Utah and the Northwest Territories. The winter habitat in Utah is as important to bald eagle populations as is their prime breeding habitat further north.

There are about 10 active nests in Utah. I expect that more will nest here, once birds that have fledged from Utah nests become mature and find suitable nesting areas. One of the most prolific nests is in northern Utah near the southeast shore of Great Salt Lake. It has been used every year since 1996. Thirty eaglets have been raised from this nest over a 12-year period. The success these eagles have had illustrates the quality and importance of the streamside and lake habitat within the Great Salt Lake area.

Farmington Bay and Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Areas are some of the best locations to view bald eagles in northern Utah. Adult bald eagles are unmistakable with the dark brown body and white head and tail. They attain the adult white headdress and tail plumage by age 5. The bill is large and hooked. They soar with wings held flat.

By Bill Fenimore, author of Backyard Birds of Utah, owner of the Layton Wild Bird Center and member of the Utah Wildlife Board.