Coastal Resource Information System

Bald Eagles

Bald Eagles nest in trees close to shore, and are a year round presence in coastal British Columbia. Bald Eagles are moderately vulnerable to oil (King and Sanger 1979); particularly if the oil comes ashore. Eagles spend considerable time foraging in the intertidal zone and can come into contact with oiled rocks and vegetation. Mortality from oil fouled plumage is less certain than in other birds, but it could be high. Eagles also forage on oil soaked carcasses of dead birds and mammals. Ingestion of oil can be lethal.

In general, Bald Eagles are not vulnerable to oil cleanup except when a nest tree is located near a shoreline. Disturbance from human activity could disrupt the breeding cycle and cause loss of eggs or small young between February and July. (Photo credit: Canadian Wildlife Service).