Why are bald eagles counted annually at Lake Tahoe?

Annual counts at Lake Tahoe help track bald eagle populations and their remarkable recovery, contributing to broader monitoring efforts.

What caused the near extinction of bald eagles?

Bald eagles were nearly driven to extinction by habitat destruction, illegal shootings, and the widespread use of pesticides like DDT.

Why is Lake Tahoe important for bald eagles in winter?

Lake Tahoe provides a reliable and abundant food source because its waters do not freeze over, attracting many eagles for winter feeding.

Home / Environment / Bald Eagles Rebound: Tahoe's Majestic Winter Visitors Soar

Bald Eagles Rebound: Tahoe's Majestic Winter Visitors Soar

10 Feb

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Summary

Annual bald eagle counts track populations and recovery.
Pesticide ban and protections aided dramatic bird population rebound.
Lake Tahoe serves as a vital winter feeding ground for eagles.

Bald Eagles Rebound: Tahoe's Majestic Winter Visitors Soar

An annual midwinter bald eagle count is underway at Lake Tahoe, with volunteers aiding researchers in tracking the majestic birds. This effort is part of a larger initiative to monitor bald eagle populations across northwestern Nevada and the broader Tahoe region. Once decimated by habitat destruction, illegal shootings, and pesticide use, bald eagle numbers plummeted. By the 1960s, fewer than 450 nesting pairs existed in the lower 48 states.

Protective measures and the 1972 ban on DDT have led to a dramatic rebound. Nationwide, bald eagle populations recovered significantly, leading to their removal from the endangered species list in 1996. In 2019, an estimated over 316,000 bald eagles inhabited the lower 48 states. Lake Tahoe, with its never-freezing waters, offers a reliable winter food source, attracting numerous eagles.