Comparison of Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Nesting and Productivity at Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, 1963–2002

Abstract

ABSTRACT In 1963, 158 (48%) of 326 Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nests surveyed on Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge (KNWR) were occupied. Nesting success was 66%. Production rates of young per occupied nest and young per successful nest were 1.10 and 1.66, respectively. In 2002, 538 (55%) of 979 Bald Eagle nests were occupied. Nesting success was 52% and production of young per occupied nest was 0.87; however, production of young per successful nest remained at 1.66. Since 1963, the number of Bald Eagle nests on KNWR increased 241% and the total production of young increased 425%. The factors that have influenced this increase are not known. Despite decreased nest success and lower productivity per occupied nest, the KNWR nesting Bald Eagle population continues to increase.