Reproductive success of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and its association with habitat or landscape features and weather in southeast Alaska

Long-term data have been collected on nesting bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in three areas of southeast Alaska. The average density of active nests was among the highest recorded, but nest productivity (average number of young fledged per active nest) and success (percentage of active nests that fledged at least one young) were similar to values in other areas. Using logistic regression, nest productivity was associated with several habitat or landscape features (productivity was highest in proximity to spawning herring and at a particular location), each of which could be related to the availability of prey (fish) in the early spring (April, May) during egg laying and incubation. Consistency of nesting success was associated with the presence of tidal flats at one study site. Nest use, but not nesting success, was related to nesting success the previous year. Multiple regression showed that fewer nests per kilometre were successful in years with a high frequency of spring rains.