Fish & Game Seeks Information On Bald Eagles

In 1993, a pair of bald eagles nested in a cottonwood tree on the 17th green at Blue Lakes Country Club near Twin Falls and successfully raised two young eagles. That was the last time of a confirmed report on these majestic birds nesting along the Snake River Plain in the Magic Valley Region. In 1996 a pair attempted to nest along Silver Creek in Blaine County, but they were not successful. Bald eagles, both adults and juveniles, are common sights along the Snake River through the winter, but by the end of March most of them have left for more suitable nesting habitat. The Snake River Plain, the canyon and associated uplands are more suited to golden eagles. In our region, bald eagles will nest around Anderson Ranch Reservoir with more forested type habitat. If adult bald eagles are still present at this time of year, there is a good possibility they are nesting and have already started egg incubation. Only adult birds have the pure white head and tail. They do not get these white feathers until they are four to five years old and have reached sexual maturity. Young eaglets are born the end of April or the first part of May. The Department of Fish and Game is very interested in information regarding the possibility of nesting bald eagles in the Magic Valley Region. In 1980 there were only 12 known bald eagle nesting territories in Idaho. Numbers have increased steadily since then. In 2000 there were 113 known occupied territories in the Gem State. In 1995 our national symbol was downlisted from an endangered to a threatened species. Please contact Mike Todd, Regional Nongame Biologist, at the Jerome Fish and Game office, 324-4359, if adult bald eagles are still present in your area at this time of year.