Bald eagles vacation in Utah

The bald eagle was first taken off the endangered, then the threatened list and is now considered to be in sufficient numbers to be off the list entirely. Its numbers have been climbing steadily over the years, which is something bird watchers here in Utah would concur with.

Every year, come November, hundreds of bald eagles fly into Utah and stay until the ice starts to melt in March.

Estimates flutter around 1,000 birds vacationing in Utah in the winter. Last year, more than 200 bald eagles were counted at the Farmington Bay management area and the year before between 350 and 400.

Utah is one of the top 10 choices for winter stops for bald eagles, and some years the state has been among the top five.

Bob Walters, watchable wildlife program director for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, explained that "Utah is situated at a favorable latitude for eagles. What that translates to is relatively mild winters and adequate food."

The birds fly down from the north, all the way from Alaska and Canada and Northern states, and then fly back when winter ends.

A few stay. Last summer there were 11 nesting pairs known to have remained in Utah through the summer.

"There could, of course, be more that we are simply not aware of," said Walters.

"Back in the 1970s, when I first arrived here, there were one or two nesting pairs. What we're seeing is they're coming back from being extremely scarce to a point where they appear to be recovering."

Farmington Bay has become a popular viewing spot for bald eagles because of its accessibility and because there are a lot of birds, both large and small. Mainly, however, people come to see bald eagles, which can have up to a 7-foot wingspan, and with their contracting white-feathered heads and dark bodies, and steely stare, are intriguing birds.

Other popular viewing spots in the winter include the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Willard Bay, areas near Henefer and Morgan and the Flaming Gorge area. There are also five sites that were recently manned by wildlife officers during Bald Eagle Day (see list).

Actually, there are quite a few bald eagles in other parts of the state, Walters pointed out. "We've had high numbers in the Southern Region, around Beaver and Cedar City, all the way up along the Wasatch Front. The Great Salt Lake is so massive, though, I would say that it is the major corridor for eagles."

Utah also has a large number of golden eagles. And, where bald eagles are transient birds, golden eagles tend to be permanent residents. And, despite what people may think, said Walter, "The two are not close. Once in a while you'll see a single golden with bald eagles, but it's rare. They're competitors for food. In fact, it's not uncommon for a group of bald eagles to steal a kill from a golden eagle."