The Bald Eagle is often associated with the Pacific Northwest or Alaska, making its presence in the southeastern United States, particularly Alabama, a surprise to some. Bald Eagles are not only present in Alabama but are thriving, representing one of the most successful conservation stories in the region. Their return allows residents and visitors the opportunity to observe them across the state’s extensive waterways.
Confirming the Presence and Population Status
Bald Eagles are established in Alabama as both year-round residents and seasonal visitors. The state supports a growing population of breeding pairs that nest locally. A larger number of eagles migrate south from northern breeding grounds to overwinter in Alabama’s milder climate, significantly bolstering the population seen between October and March.
The recovery has been so successful that the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) no longer conducts comprehensive annual nest surveys. Conservationists are confident that the state hosts well over 100 active nesting pairs. Mid-winter surveys along major lakes and reservoirs typically count between 100 and 150 individual birds in a single census period.
Although the Bald Eagle was removed from the federal endangered species list in 2007, it remains highly protected. The species is safeguarded under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. These federal laws prohibit the harassment, killing, or unauthorized possession of eagles, their parts, nests, or eggs.
Key Habitats and Nesting Locations
Bald Eagles in Alabama concentrate around large, open bodies of water that provide an abundant food source, primarily fish. They favor the crowns of tall trees, often pines or hardwoods, near these water sources for building their massive nests. The state’s extensive network of rivers and reservoirs serves as prime habitat, particularly in the Tennessee Valley region.
The Tennessee River Valley is the most reliable area for sightings, cutting across the northern part of the state. Specific locations known for supporting nesting pairs and wintering populations include Lake Guntersville and the nearby Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. These areas offer vast stretches of water and protected wetlands ideal for hunting and roosting.
Further south, Pickwick Lake near Waterloo and reservoirs managed by Alabama Power, such as Lake Mitchell, host established breeding eagles. The Mobile-Tensaw Delta, a massive river delta system emptying into Mobile Bay, provides a productive coastal environment where eagles can be spotted. These habitats are ecologically diverse, supplying the birds with both open water and secure nesting sites.
The Story of Recovery
The Bald Eagle was historically common along Alabama’s Gulf Coast and the Tennessee Valley, but the species was nearly extirpated from the state by the 1960s. The decline resulted largely from the widespread use of the pesticide DDT, which caused eggshells to thin and break, making successful reproduction nearly impossible. Habitat loss and historical persecution also contributed to the species’ disappearance as a breeding bird.
Following the federal ban on DDT in 1972, recovery efforts began in earnest. The ADCNR initiated a state restoration project in 1984, utilizing a technique called “hacking.” This process involved placing young eaglets from other states into artificial nests in Alabama, where they were fed until they could fly and hunt independently. The goal was to imprint the young birds on the Alabama landscape, encouraging them to return to breed once they reached maturity.
Between 1985 and 1991, 91 juvenile eagles were released across the state through this program. The first successful nest was recorded in 1991, marking a significant milestone in the bird’s return. This effort of reintroduction and habitat protection led to the species’ sustained comeback.
Observing Bald Eagles Safely
The best time to observe eagles is during the winter months, from October through March, when the migratory population swells. Resident pairs can also be observed near their nesting territories outside of this season. The best equipment for viewing eagles is a pair of binoculars, such as 8x or 10x magnification, or a spotting scope.
Ethical viewing practices are necessary to avoid disturbing the protected birds. Federal guidelines recommend maintaining a minimum distance of 330 feet (about 100 meters) from an active eagle nest. Disturbing a nest, or causing a bird to flush from its perch, is illegal and can cause the eagles to abandon their eggs or young.
Observers should remain quiet and avoid sudden movements, especially near known nesting or feeding areas. Using a car as a viewing blind can be effective, as eagles are generally more tolerant of people inside vehicles. The goal is to observe the birds’ natural behavior without influencing it.