Yes, bald eagles do live in Georgia.
Where Bald Eagles Live in Georgia
Bald eagles prefer habitats near large bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, as their primary food source is fish. These environments offer ample fishing opportunities and the tall, mature trees needed for nesting and perching.
Major river systems like the Altamaha, Savannah, and Chattahoochee provide suitable foraging and nesting sites. Large reservoirs, including Lake Seminole, Lake Oconee, Lake Allatoona, Lake Lanier, and West Point Lake, also support eagle populations. Georgia’s coastal areas, including the barrier islands and Chatham County, host a significant density of nesting eagles. About one-third of all bald eagle nests in Georgia are in the six coastal counties, with others scattered throughout the Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and even mountainous regions where large water bodies exist.
The Bald Eagle Comeback Story
The bald eagle population faced a severe decline in the mid-20th century due to habitat loss and widespread use of the pesticide DDT. This chemical accumulated in the food chain, causing eagles to lay eggs with thinned shells that often broke during incubation. By 1970, only one successful bald eagle nest was known in Georgia, on St. Catherines Island, and for a decade, no successful nests were recorded in the state.
The federal government banned DDT in 1972, and the Endangered Species Act passed in 1973, protecting the species. Georgia added the bald eagle to its Protected Wildlife List in 1974. Conservation efforts included a “hacking program” from 1979 to 1995, releasing 89 young eagles from captive breeding facilities or wild nests in other states. The first successful nest after the decline was documented on Ossabaw Island in 1981.
The bald eagle was delisted from federal threatened and endangered species lists in August 2007. Despite this national delisting, the species remains threatened under Georgia’s Endangered Wildlife Act and is protected by federal acts like the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Georgia’s nesting eagle population has steadily increased, with state surveys documenting over 200 nests in recent years, a significant rebound from the handful of nests in the early 1980s.
Observing Bald Eagles in Georgia
Observing bald eagles in Georgia is best during certain times of the year. Viewing opportunities are greatest during winter months when the state’s eagle population increases due to an influx of wintering eagles from northern areas seeking milder climates. Nesting season, from early fall to late spring, also provides chances to see eagles around their nests.
Several locations in Georgia are known for bald eagle sightings. These include large reservoirs like West Point Lake, where eagles are routinely spotted, and Don Carter State Park on Lake Lanier. Wildlife refuges such as the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and the Bradley Unit of Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge offer prime viewing, especially in winter. Coastal areas like Jekyll Island are also excellent birdwatching destinations, including for eagles.
To view ethically, maintain a respectful distance from active nests, generally at least 330 feet, to avoid disturbing the birds. Using binoculars or spotting scopes enhances the viewing experience without encroaching on their space. If young eaglets are seen on the ground, they should not be approached or handled, as their parents are likely nearby. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources monitors nests annually and encourages the public to report any new nesting activity to aid conservation efforts.