Population trends of wintering bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

The purpose of this study was to look at population trends of wintering bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada from 1991 to 2006. Bald eagles were counted on January 5, 2006 along the entire shoreline of Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. This study focused on two questions: (1) how has the population changed over time? (2) How has the proportion of juvenile eagles to adult eagles changed over time? Question one was supported with the number of bald eagles significantly increasing (r=0.76, p=0.002). Question two was supported as the proportion of juveniles to adults was not significant (Fl 12=0.54, p=0.48). Lake Mead NRA saw a total of 67 bald eagles (31 adults, 36 juveniles) with the Overton Arm having the highest number of bald eagle sightings. Prior to 2000 data collection was not standardized from the Lake Mead NRA, therefore resulting data should be interpreted with caution. The bald eagle is currently a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act and future studies are important to determine the suitability of delisting