Seasonal restrictions enacted to protect bald eagle breeding sites in Arizona

PHOENIX — Bald eagle conservationists are hoping to see more of these endangered birds fill Arizona’s skies next year.

But in order for more eagle chicks to crack their eggshells, they must have safe nests to be born in. That’s why the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is urging outdoor recreationists, pilots, drone operators and paragliders to do their part to steer clear of bald eagle breeding sites.

Arizona has 104 eagle breeding areas, many of which are on public land and water areas. Some of these will be temporarily closed to help bald eagles to feel safe enough to bring more chicks into the world.

AZGFD’s bald eagle management coordinator, Kenneth Jacobson, said conservations have high hopes for the endangered animals.

“Arizona’s bald eagles are hard at work preparing their nest for what we hope will be a productive breeding season,” Jacobson said in a Tuesday news release.

These hopes for the 2025 breeding season come after a successful 2024, he added.

AZGFD said 96 young eagles hatched so far this year. Of those, 77 reached a huge milestone: they took to the skies for their first flights, which are called fledgings.

Seasonal restrictions on bald eagle breeding sites in Arizona

Drones and those riding motorized paragliders are urged to avoid bald eagle’s habitats completely.

Additionally, AZGFD reminded pilots to maintain the 2,000-foot above ground level advisory when flying over the endangered bird’s habitat.

These restrictions are necessary because even short durations of low-flying aircraft activity near a bald eagle’s nest can deeply disrupt the birds.

In fact, a nest’s reproductive capability can fail if the eagles are subjected to even a few minutes of disturbance, wildlife officials said.

Seasonal closures are in place for several bodies of water: Verde River, Tonto Creek, Salt River, Lake Pleasant, Crescent Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Greer Lakes, Horseshoe Lake, Luna Lake, Lynx Lake, Show Low Lake and Woods Canyon Lake.

Details about the specific times and locations of these seasonal restrictions on bald eagle breeding sites can be found on AZGFD’s website.

“The birds nest, forage and roost at rivers and lakes that are also popular recreation spots,” Jacobson said. “That’s why we must be vigilant to help protect the birds and ensure their populations statewide continue to flourish. That success wouldn’t be possible without the cooperation of outdoor recreationists who respect the closures during the breeding season.”