Bald eagles are present in Alabama. These birds, a symbol of the United States, have made a remarkable return. Their presence across Alabama, particularly in areas with abundant water, signifies a successful conservation narrative. While their numbers declined, dedicated efforts have allowed them to re-establish a stable population.
The Bald Eagle’s Comeback in Alabama
Bald eagles were historically found throughout Alabama, including along the Tennessee River and Gulf Coast. Their population faced a severe decline by the mid-20th century, with fewer than 500 nesting pairs remaining in the contiguous United States by 1963, and none reported in Alabama. This reduction was primarily due to habitat destruction, illegal shooting, and the widespread use of pesticides, notably DDT. DDT contaminated the eagles’ food sources, leading to thin eggshells that often broke during incubation, hindering successful reproduction.
Conservation efforts gained momentum, with the federal government banning DDT in 1972. This ban significantly aided eagle population recovery. Further protection came with the 1973 Endangered Species Act (ESA), safeguarding the species and its habitat.
In Alabama, reintroduction programs, known as “hacking,” played a pivotal role. From 1985 to 1991, 91 juvenile eagles were released into the wild from six different hacking towers across the state. The first confirmed successful bald eagle nesting in Alabama since 1962 occurred in 1991. These efforts led to the species’ recovery; bald eagles were removed from the federal endangered species list in 2007.
Where to Find Them and Their Habits
Bald eagles are found statewide in Alabama, concentrating along rivers and large bodies of water. These habitats provide their primary food source: fish. Eagles prefer tall trees for nesting and perching, often selecting sturdy conifers or other large trees for visibility and easy flight access.
Key viewing locations include Lake Guntersville, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, and Pickwick Lake, all along the Tennessee River. The Mobile-Tensaw Delta and the Alabama River also host significant eagle populations. January surveys recently counted 100-150 bald eagles, with the state now supporting around 200 resident nesting pairs.
Bald eagles mate for life and are territorial during nesting season. In the Southeast, nesting occurs from late fall to early spring, with egg-laying between December and January. They build large nests, returning to and expanding them annually. Eagles are observed soaring or perched high in trees.
They are opportunistic hunters, primarily catching fish by swooping down and snatching them with their talons. While fish are their main diet, they also consume birds, small mammals, and carrion. Winter months, especially early mornings and late afternoons, offer the best viewing opportunities near open water.