The bald eagle, known for its majestic appearance and powerful flight, this national symbol of the United States is truly a sight to behold.
Bald eagles thrive in wetland habitats with plenty of fish to hunt. In coastal areas such as Beaufort, they make their homes near bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and marshes. Bald eagles are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, feeding on a variety of prey including fish, small mammals, and other birds. They have keen eyesight and strong talons that help them catch their prey while soaring through the sky. In Beaufort, they are often spotted hunting over the water, swooping down to catch fish with their sharp talons.
If you want to see these magnificent birds in their natural habitat, visitors can take boat tours or even kayak through the marshes to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures in action. You may also be lucky enough to spot one perched on a tree or soaring overhead while exploring the many parks and nature reserves in Beaufort. Hunting Island State Park’s maritime forest is known for being home to bald eagles. The Sea Islands that surround Beaufort also have these birds as residents.
These birds often build their nests at the top of tall trees near bodies of water. This provides a safe and secure home for their young. In Beaufort, these nests can be seen high in the tops of pine trees. Even on man-made structures such as cell phone towers are now nesting spots.
Bald eagles were once an endangered species.
Their comeback story is nothing short of remarkable. Back in 1977, South Carolina biologists recorded just 13 active bald eagle nests. Fast forward to 2016, and that number had grown to over 350. Beaufort County alone hosted 69 nesting pairs in 2017. This was up from just 5 in 1990, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Once declared an endangered species in the U.S. during the 1960s, the bald eagle’s population rebounded thanks to preservation efforts. By the early 1980s, the total population stood at around 100,000 and increased further to about 110,000–115,000 by 1992. This recovery led to their removal from the endangered species list in 1995, when they were reclassified as “threatened.” By 2007, bald eagles were officially removed from all federal lists.
Beaufort, South Carolina is truly a haven for bald eagles.
With its ideal habitat and range, nesting and feeding habits, and successful conservation efforts, this area provides the perfect opportunity to witness these amazing birds in their natural element. So next time you find yourself in Beaufort, don’t forget to keep an eye out for these impressive creatures soaring through the skies above.
