Eagle-eyed in West Seattle: Why you’re seeing more of them

(photo by Gary Jones, taken today at Alki)
After all the incredible photos shared with WSB lately showing eagles around West Seattle, we thought it would be interesting to get a broader look at the local population. Since we (like many other local-news organizations) work on occasion with the University of Washington News Lab, we asked if any of their student reporters might want to take that on – they agreed, and here’s the result (with some WSBers’ eagle photos and video woven throughout)!

(Brace Point-area juvenile eagle, photographed by Rick R)
By BEN BRADLEY
UW News Lab

This spring, people in West Seattle have noticed an increase in bald eagle sightings, particularly around Alki Beach and Lincoln Park.

David Schneider, a resident of West Seattle, has spotted a few himself. “I think there are only two or three pair, but I usually see them on Beach Drive on the north side of the park.”

(photo by Cynthia, published on WSB 4/2/09)
Usually known for their isolation from populated areas, these majestic birds have been spotted high up in trees during the day. “They will fly down from Genesee Hill early in the morning and hang out in this cottonwood right across from Cactus Restaurant,” said Dan, who did not give his last name. Dan works for Seattle Parks and Recreation and maintains Alki on a daily basis. “I see them feeding on herring and flounder, but sometimes they’ll snag a duck or two if they’re hungry.”

This is no surprise. An adult male can reach up to 15 pounds and have a wing span of more than 8 feet, making for a big appetite. This time of year, however, requires them to gather larger amounts of food.

(another photo by Cynthia, also published on WSB 4/2/09)
Jay Shepherd, an eagle biologist for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, says that bald eagles are in the midst of mating season. “They will start nesting as early as February,” he said. “But this process takes many months. While one protects the eggs, the other is retrieving food for both of them.”

Like some other birds, bald eagles remain monogamous throughout their lifetime, and trade off parenting roles as well. Supporting two adults and newly-born chicks leads them to some areas they would otherwise choose to avoid. “They are the scavenger type, so they will take the opportunities when they get them,” said Matt Mega, conservation director of urban habitat for Seattle Audubon.

(video by Gary Jones, originally featured on WSB 3/31/09)
Mega says that with less available habitat, has forced the birds to higher-populated areas, especially during this time of year. Although Shepherd agrees with this, he hypothesizes an additional explanation.

“Obviously they would prefer to enjoy their privacy inside of larger parks and forests,” he said. “But there is some evidence to suggest that recent generations are more habituated and tolerant to human activity.”

The ages of the nest in Lincoln Park and the one across from Salty’s on Alki restaurant are young compared to those farther in the forests.

But it is important not to correlate the number of nests to mating pairs. Shepherd says that bald eagles often build multiple nests in the event of wind storms, which are quite frequent in the area. “We also believe they do this for health reasons,” he said. “Nests become overloaded with parasites. Leaving one for a year or two will sterilize it.”

(photo by Gary Jones, first featured on WSB 3/6/09)
Placed on the Federal Threatened and Endangered Species List in 1978, bald eagles experienced a population increase of about 9 percent each proceeding year. They have gone from only 104 known breeding pairs in 1980 to more than 900 in 2007 in our state. “It is more likely we are at about 1,300 pairs today,” said Shepherd.

This increase led to the removal of bald eagles from the list in 2007. However, there are still protections in place, such as the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Throughout the 1950s and ‘60s, human activity such as deforestation and mass eagle shootings aided in their rapid population decline. But most importantly, a pesticide known as DDT had a devastating effect on the birds.

DDT, or dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, seeped into all aspects of the ecosystem, from the water to plants to small animals. “Bald eagles are predators, the highest in their food chain,” said Shepherd. “In turn they consumed the highest levels of DDT.”

This chemical caused them to lay eggs with very weak shells. On average, a female will lay one to three eggs at a time, and the pesticide hurt their chances of surviving.

Congress outlawed the use of DDT in 1972, which has helped the population recovery.

“All in all, I would say bald eagles are doing well,” said Shepherd. “It comes down to the state legislature continuing their protection though.”

The Department of Fish and Wildlife allocates money where they feel it’s most necessary. “Some biologists would argue we should lift the regulations on bald eagles,” he said. “It takes time, effort and money to continue this. They would like to see us focusing on other species that are under threat.”

But there is no sign of changes any time soon. Shepherd says their status as our country’s national symbol certainly helps their prospects. “People love bald eagles and they’ll support their continued protection.”

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(BEN BRADLEY is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communication News Laboratory.)

8 Replies to "Eagle-eyed in West Seattle: Why you're seeing more of them"

  • fiz April 26, 2009 (6:57 pm)

    I was walking west on SW Alaska just outide the Alaska House on a morning ten days ago when a bald eagle skimmed the top of that building, flew diagonally across SW Alaska and 42nd SW, and landed on top of the office tower of Jefferson Square. It was very vocal for several minutes after landing.

    Such a treat to see it in the Junction.

  • west seattle golfer April 26, 2009 (8:09 pm)

    Man, I love the Northwest! Routinely seeing bald eagles is such a treat!

  • chas redmond April 26, 2009 (9:27 pm)

    Ben, That was a great job of research and reporting. You’re going to become an even better journalist with a start like this. Thanks for the work and thanks to WSBlog for sharing. I, too, love West Seattle and the Northwest for lots of reasons – but these eagles are certainly up there in the top ten.

  • elliottsalonalki April 26, 2009 (9:35 pm)

    There was a young eagle on the telephone pole outside of my salon on 58th sw at Alki last Friday. It sat on top of the pole cawing at the crows for about an hour. It was so cool to see such an awesome bird close up.

  • Elizabeth Carpenter April 26, 2009 (11:57 pm)

    Thank you, for posting this. I love seeing the eagles when I visit me parents at Alki and appreciate the details here on their habits & what is happening with their endangered species status.
    Plus – love the pics!

    Kudos from ElizaC

  • OpposableChums April 27, 2009 (8:17 am)

    Amazing pix! Thanks for posting them-

    Jason
    http://www.opposablechums.com

  • Noelle April 27, 2009 (8:08 pm)

    Even though they are wonderful symbols of America please remember they are wild animals. Be careful to watch small pets if eagles are around your home. It is not unheard of for an eagle to snack on a small dog.

  • Logan Kerlee April 30, 2009 (10:27 pm)

    Bald eagles really are awesome creatures. Every time I saw one in Bremerton I paid extra close attention because of their impacting presence.

    You wrote a very swell article Ben. Good job!

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