If you spotted a bald eagle soaring over the North Shore or Cape Ann this past winter — or perched high in a treetop like the one pictured here at Cox Reservation in Essex — you weren’t alone. Greenbelt staff and community members alike noticed an uptick in eagle activity during the colder months, when these iconic birds are often easier to spot across the region’s frozen landscape.
“Several factors contributed to this increase in visibility,” says Tim Simmons, a highly respected conservation ecologist and longtime member of Greenbelt’s Stewardship and Land Protection committees. “Open water in our tidal rivers concentrates eagles when other lakes and ponds are iced over. In addition, the growing number of local nesting pairs, along with juveniles lingering from past seasons, makes them more noticeable.”
In the months ahead, keep an eye out for adults carrying nesting materials, he adds, as bald eagles in the region begin nesting earlier than Ospreys — which typically arrive in late March or early April — and many other local birds.
Bald eagle restoration is one of Massachusetts’ most successful conservation stories. MassWildlife continues to document steady growth and expansion of the once-endangered eagle population, which means there are more opportunities than ever to see them
Where to Look for Bald Eagles in Massachusetts
Bald eagles usually inhabit coastal areas, estuaries, and larger inland waters. They require extensive shoreline habitat with nearby forested areas for nesting. Eagles prefer trees that rise above the canopy, providing a clear vantage point for perching and hunting. Waterbodies with a healthy supply of moderate- to large-sized fish are especially attractive.