……objective science for conservation…….

The Pacific WildLife Foundation is a non-profit coastal and marine research and education society  that inspires an appreciation for objective scientific research and conservation of the ocean. We conduct original research, develop novel education programs, and inspire an appreciation for conservation of the ocean. 

Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus

 Bald Eagle Distribution & Migration

 Bald Eagle Distribution Map

Bald eagles are capable of long distance flights by taking advantage of lift provided by thermal winds and gliding for many kilometres. Bald eagles fitted with radio transmitters or carrying bands generally vacate northern areas for the winter between August and January. Immatures are the first and move the farthest south (Buehler 2000). Along the Pacific Coast the migration is timed to coincide with spawning salmon entering rivers and streams. Counts exceeding 300 eagles are not uncommon at large rivers. Immatures and adults vacate the south coast in August to enter streams in the north. They subsequently move south as salmon enter those rivers and streams. By late autumn and early winter, thousands of eagles can descend on rivers with large salmon runs. Over 3000 eagles have been counted in January near Squamish, British Columbia. By February, eagles begin to gather on beaches to feed on spawning herring. It is not unusual to find over 100 eagles perched in trees overlooking spawning beaches. Their ability to fly great distances allows eagles to move easily along the coast to seasonal sources of abundance.