ABSTRACT
Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest throughout North America near coasts, lakes, and rivers. Their former widespread nesting distribution receded during the latter 19th and through the 20th centuries, as a result of a variety of direct and indirect human activities. During the nonnesting season, eagles may remain near the nests or leave the area for variable lengths of time and move to other regions. Nonnesting eagles are less territorial and often group together, sometimes at locations with good food supplies and particularly at night roosts. Searches for the birds and/or nests are conducted from the ground, water, and air. Census in the more inaccessible regions of Canada and Alaska employ more formal statistically based sampling procedures and aerial searches. Nests are sometimes confused with osprey nests (which are normally smaller and positioned at the apex of the tree or other supporting structure) and with the nests of ravens or other raptors.
