In the 1960s, Vancouver had only two pairs of nesting bald eagles. In 2012, there are at least 18 bald eagle nests, one of which is located in Vanier Park by the Kitsilano Coast Guard Station.
Most Kits residents have seen the nest and at least one eagle perched in the tree. But recently, you may have noticed four eagles – two parents and two fledglings – hanging out. Or getting chased by crows as they soar above the inlet.
Usually, bald eagles lay two eggs per nest in March/April. According to the Stanley Park Ecology Society, hunting, eaglet feeding and eaglet brooding duties are shared by both parents (May-July) until the young are strong enough to fly.
At about 12 weeks of age they fledge (leave) the nest. Which means avid bird watchers only have a couple more weeks to enjoy their majesty before they relocate to nearby rivers (and the associated fish runs) for a stable food source.
Kits residents first observed the Vanier Park bald eagles in 2005. Since bald eagles in Vancouver usually return to established territory, we can expect to see them again in December-February of next year.
Last modified: June 7, 2019
