British Columbia is home to a healthy population of about 20,000 of Canada’s largest birds of prey. The coastal landscapes, abundant water sources, and thriving fish populations of our province provide bald eagles with a perfect hunting ground. These magnificent raptors have a 20 to 30-year lifespan.

Females are larger, averaging 15 pounds, while the males clock in at 10. A bald eagles wingspan can reach up to eight feet. Reaching altitudes of up to 10,000 feet, they are capable of reaching diving speeds of 99 MPH and can carry a third of their body weight in their talons.

An eagle’s eye occupy 50% of their headspace and both shape and the fourth cone provide a much larger image, allowing them to see clearly up to five times further than a human - a visual range of three to five miles. Their 340-degree field of vision higher density of photoreceptor cells, specifically cones, enables them to see UV trails, making spotting prey easier.

The presence of these apex predators in our ecosystem serves as a litmus test for environmental health. Protecting them and their habitats is our responsibility, and the reward is an appreciation for them.