The History of Kentucky’s Breeding Population

Very little pre-settlement information exists for bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) populations in Kentucky.  Most historic records are from the far western part of the state, with some observations further east along the Ohio River floodplain.  By the mid-1900’s, there were an estimated five to ten nesting pairs, although pre-settlement populations were likely much higher.

After the banning of DDT in 1972 (US) and a nationwide re-introduction effort in the 1970’s and 1980’s, the number of bald eagle nesting territories in Kentucky has steadily increased.  Due to the high concentration of suitable habitat, the majority of eagle nests are located in western Kentucky.  However, reports of bald eagles during the breeding season from central and eastern Kentucky are becoming increasingly common.  The creation of large reservoirs statewide has provided habitat that was not available to eagles historically.  Large rivers, creeks and wetlands provide additional nesting opportunities.

The Bald Eagle Has Been Delisted!

Kentucky’s population of bald eagles met criteria set by the Southeast Bald Eagle Recovery Team for removal of the species from the federal list of threatened and endangered species.  Hence, the species was officially delisted in August of 2007.  However, bald eagles still remain protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.  To ensure the species continues to succeed, National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines and a Post-delisting Monitoring Plan have been developed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and are available via the internet at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/eagle.

Eagle Monitoring in Kentucky

Eagle populations are currently monitored twice a year.  In January, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR), in cooperation with other federal and state agencies and local volunteers, survey as many as 20 routes for wintering eagles.  These data are submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of a national survey.  Midwinter Eagle Survey data are available via the internet at http://ocid.nacse.org/nbii/eagles/.  During the Midwinter Eagle Survey, 150-360 eagles are counted each year.  However, the state’s nesting population is much smaller and most likely non-migratory, since adults are often seen on site throughout the year.  KDFWR conducts aerial (helicopter) surveys of eagle nests in March or April to determine the status of breeding territories.  Nest success is later determined using nest observations made by KDFWR staff, other agency personnel, and volunteers.  Monitoring is carried out very carefully to avoid disturbance to nesting eagles.

A view of a bald eagle nest from the helicopter during an annual nesting survey. Photo by:  Ray Stainfield

In Kentucky, bald eagles usually lay eggs during January-March, but will begin nest building and repair as early as October.  Young usually fledge (leave the nest) April-July.

During the nesting season, the following information is gathered, where possible:

• Occupied nesting territories- number of territories with evidence of a nesting pair of eagles.
• Successful nesting territories- number of territories successful in fledging at least one young.
• Young fledged- number of young fledged from nest.

These criteria are used regionally and nationally to measure productivity trends and are reported annually by each state to the USFWS. 

In 2010, 84 occupied bald eagle territories were documented in 36 counties of Kentucky!

Figure 1.  Counties with known bald eagle nesting activity (blue).  Last updated 9-6-2010.

 

Acknowledgements

Tracking Kentucky’s eagle population takes a tremendous amount of effort and would not be possible without the cooperation of several federal and state agencies, universities, private organizations, volunteers, and landowners.  Their continued support is most appreciated.

 
Bald Eagle FAQ’s

Where can I find more information on bald eagles?

Information on life history (diet, lifespan, etc.) can be found at the USFWS eagle website:

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/eagle/conservation/baea_nhstry_snstvty.html

How common is it to see a bald eagle in Kentucky?

Sightings of migrating and wintering eagles in Kentucky are becoming increasingly widespread.  Bald eagles can be seen just about anywhere in Kentucky during the migration and winter season (September-March).  Nonetheless, seeing a bald eagle is exciting every time!

Where are the best places to go to see a bald eagle in Kentucky?

The best time to go eagle-watching in Kentucky is the winter, when eagles gather in large numbers at areas with open water to fish.  You’re likely to spot an eagle on a boat trip or hiking trip to any large reservoir or river in December-March.  Look for them perched in trees on the lake or river edge, or watch for them soaring above the water.  The Land Between the Lakes Area is a winter hot spot for eagles.  Kentucky State Parks, in cooperation with KDFWR and the US Army Corps of Engineers hold Eagle Watch events at several state parks in western KY each January and February.   These trips are a great way to view lots of eagles.  More information on eagle watch weekends can be found at the Kentucky State Parks website at:

http://parks.ky.gov/specialevents/eaglewatch.htm

I think I saw a bald eagle.  Where can I find more information on identification?

Please visit KDFWR’s bald eagle identification page:

http://fw.ky.gov/baldeagleid.asp

More information on bald eagle identification can be found at the following links.

The United States Geological Survey bald eagle website:

http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/i3520id.html

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All About Birds website:

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/id

I saw a bald eagle!  Who should I report this information to?

KDFWR tracks the location and productivity of all bald eagle nests in Kentucky.  New nests are found every year.  If you think you have discovered a new nest, please call our information number (1-800-858-1549) to report it.  If a pair of adult bald eagles is seen in a local area for an extended period of time during the nesting season, there may be a nest nearby.  Please let us know if you suspect bald eagle nesting activity in your area.

Sightings of migrating and wintering eagles in Kentucky are becoming more and more widespread.  Bald eagles can be seen just about anywhere in Kentucky during the migration and winter season (September-March).  Carrion provides a good winter food source for eagles, away from open water.  Sightings of wintering and migrating eagles do not need to be reported to KDFWR, unless nesting is suspected.

Do golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) occur in Kentucky?

Though uncommon in comparison to the bald eagle, golden eagles do migrate through and winter in Kentucky.  There are no confirmed records of golden eagles nesting in Kentucky.