FORT COLLINS, Colo. - More than 300 bald eagle pairs are now nesting in Colorado, according to 2023 data being compiled by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). It's the highest total on record.
Colorado's bald eagle population is thriving. After dwindling to three or four nests in the 1970s, there are now estimated to be over 300 nests across the state. In the last decade, this growth has accelerated with the population more than doubling since 2015, according to Reesa Conrey, Colorado Parks and Wildlife's avian researcher.
The comeback of bald eagles in Colorado has been the. Colorado celebrates a historic milestone as bald eagle populations soar to their highest recorded numbers in 2024. Colorado's bald eagle population was hit hard by avian influenza in 2022, reducing the number of nests by about 20 percent.
But now, the eagles have made a remarkable recovery. However, the areas in which bald eagles can live year-round and raise their young are much rarer in the United States, and Colorado happens to contain an impressive amount of them. If you're interested in learning more about this fascinating animal and its unique relationship with the state of Colorado, read on.
This seasonal influx happens because many bald eagles migrate from colder northern regions, where freezing waters and scarce prey make survival more challenging. In Colorado, open reservoirs, river drainages, and abundant prey offer ideal conditions for bald eagles. But where should you look, and when is the best time to spot them?
The national symbol of the United States, the bald eagle is a magnificent raptor that can be found throughout much of Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife said it has been studying the bald eagle population throughout Colorado and the country, noticing a steady increase. Bald eagles in Colorado have successfully rebounded from near extinction, now boasting over 300 active nests.
Conservation efforts in the 1970s greatly aided their recovery, especially by banning DDT. These majestic birds now thrive even in urban areas, attracting bird watchers, though ongoing habitat protection remains vital amidst urban growth. In Colorado, bald eagles are listed as a Tier 2 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (CPW 2015).
The number of bald eagle pairs breeding in Colorado increased from 14 pairs during Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas I (1987-1994) to 148 pairs during Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas II (2007-2011).