Bald Eagles are one of the most recognizable birds in the United States. While they do not thrive in many places in the USA, we do not have that problem here on Vashon Island. In a study conducted by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife there were a reported 840 occupied nests in the state in 2005 (Stinson Et. Al, 2007). Though their numbers are considered stable now, they were not always this strong. In the 1950’s the Bald Eagle population in Washington was completely wiped out due to a harmful chemical pesticide called DDT. Luckily, the use of DDT was banned country wide in 1973 and the population of Bald Eagles began to steadily grow. By the end of the 1980’s there were only 104 mating pairs in the state. Compare that to the 840 in 2005 and you can see how well they have bounced back.
Photo Courtesy of Caroline Matter.
Vashon Island is a premier location for mating bald eagles to make their large, 1,000 lbs nests. In the same study conducted by Stinson Et. Al (2007) They found that 97% of bald eagle nests were within 3,000 ft of a large body of water. This is because they are opportunity hunters who often fish in the waters around the sound. They are also known to be the bullies of the sky. Due to their large size, weighing in often around 10 lbs and boasting a 6 ft wingspan, they often steal food from other scavenging birds who do the hard work for them. It is amazing to see these birds soaring above our heads here on the island and hopefully their numbers continue to stay steady so we can experience the majesty of these birds.
For more info on the Washing Department of Fish & Wildlife’s study you can visit: https://www.eopugetsound.org/science-review/10-bald-eagles