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Species Spotlight- American Bald Eagle
 Photo credit: USFWS
The American bald eagle became the national emblem of the United States in 1782, a time when up to 100,000 nesting birds could be seen all across the country. Since then, the eagle has been to the brink of extirpation and back. By 1963, 15 years prior to their protection in 1978 under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), there were less than 500 nesting pairs of bald eagles in the lower 48 States.
DDT and other chemicals are some of the main culprits that harmed eagles. Compounds including DDT, DDE, PCBs, dioxins and furans can cause changes in parental behavior during incubation and can result in death of unhatched chicks. DDE reduces eagle productivity (number of young produced) by causing eggshells to thin and break. The banning of DDT in the 1970s, along with improved industrial practices and bans or restrictions placed on PCBs and dioxins, have lessened releases into Portland Harbor and elsewhere. Bald eagle numbers and productivity have increased dramatically with reduction of contaminants.
Not a single known nest site remained in the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan region as recently as the 1970s. Today, bald eagles can be found in the region year-round and they are no longer listed under the ESA. They are now commonly seen in and around Portland Harbor. Keep watch for their dramatic courtship rituals as they fly high in the air, lock talons, and cartwheel toward the ground or water. On occasion they do not release their talons and both splash into the water!
In addition to addressing contaminants, efforts are being made to improve habitat in Portland Harbor. Bald eagles use large trees for nesting and perching, generally within a half-mile of rivers and other large water bodies where they can find adequate food nearby. Eagles hunt primarily for fish, but will also eat waterfowl, small mammals and carrion. Restoration projects aim to maintain and restore forested areas with large trees in close proximity to a healthy prey base for the eagles.
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