The bald eagle, a symbol of freedom and resilience, holds a special place in the public imagination. Its striking appearance and powerful flight evoke a sense of wildness and grandeur. Many people wonder about the presence of this raptor in California, curious about its current status and distribution.
Bald Eagles in California Today
Bald eagles are present in California, maintaining both resident and wintering populations. Their numbers have significantly rebounded across the state, a testament to decades of conservation efforts. While federally delisted in 2007, the bald eagle remains endangered under the California Endangered Species Act and is fully protected under state law.
Statewide surveys indicate a stable or increasing population. Over 1,000 bald eagles have been counted during some midwinter surveys, including year-round residents and migratory visitors. The number of breeding pairs has grown substantially, expanding their presence into many counties. Bald eagles are now found in 41 of California’s 58 counties.
Key Habitats and Regions
Bald eagles in California predominantly inhabit areas near large bodies of water, which provide their primary food source of fish. This includes lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and certain coastal wetlands. They select mountain and foothill forests and woodlands for breeding territories, especially near aquatic environments. These birds prefer tall, mature trees for perching, roosting, and nesting, often within a mile of water.
Specific areas with significant bald eagle populations include the Klamath Basin along the California-Oregon border, a major winter concentration site. Other notable locations are Big Bear Lake, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, and Shasta Lake. In the San Francisco Bay Area, eagles are seen at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Chabot, and Lake Del Valle. Southern California also hosts breeding pairs, with eagles nesting in the central and southern Sierra Nevada mountains, coastal ranges, and on Santa Catalina Island.
A History of Recovery
Historically, bald eagles were widespread across California, but their populations declined severely by the mid-20th century. Factors contributing to this decline included habitat destruction, hunting, and widespread use of the pesticide DDT. DDT accumulated in the food chain, causing eggshell thinning and failed nesting attempts. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, fewer than 30 nesting pairs remained in California, primarily in the northern part of the state.
In response to these declines, the bald eagle was listed as an endangered species federally in 1967 and by California in 1971. The ban on DDT in the United States in 1972 was a pivotal step in their recovery, allowing eggshells to return to normal thickness. Conservation efforts included legal protections, nest management, and reintroduction programs. Projects on Santa Catalina Island (starting in 1980) and along the central California coast (initiated in 1986) involved releasing young eagles to re-establish breeding populations. These concerted actions led to the federal delisting of the bald eagle in 2007, a major conservation success.
Tips for Observation
Observing bald eagles in California can be a rewarding experience, particularly during the winter months from December to March when migratory eagles join resident populations. Early mornings and evenings are often the best times to spot them, as they are most active. Look for their distinctive appearance: adults have a dark brown body with a white head and tail, and a wingspan that can reach up to eight feet. Younger birds are mostly brown with varying amounts of white and acquire their adult plumage around four to five years of age.
When viewing bald eagles, maintaining a respectful distance is important to avoid disturbing them; federal law recommends staying at least 330 feet away from nests. Using binoculars or a spotting scope allows for close observation without intrusion. Observers should remain quiet, avoid sudden movements, and stay on designated trails. Do not feed eagles, as it can make them dependent on humans and disrupt their natural foraging behaviors. If an eagle appears to be watching you, it may indicate disturbance, and moving away is appropriate.