Since then, the populations has leveled to approximately 178 nesting pairs found each year. Biologists gather information on eagles by recording the number of nesting pairs each spring, and young produced each July. The return of the bald eagle is one of America's greatest wildlife conservation success stories. With a wingspan of seven feet, the bald eagle is the largest bird of prey in northern Minnesota. The adult eagle is easily identified by it's striking white head and tail.
Eagles attain their adult plumage at four or five year of age.
Young bald eagles remain flecked with brown and white and can be mistaken for golden eagles, though golden eagles are not found in Minnesota. Eagles mate for life, and return to the same nest area each year. Large red and white pines on the Forest make excellent eagle nesting sites although aspen and others are occasionally used. Eagles generally lay two eggs and incubation lasts about 35 days. Eagles are especially sensitive to disturbance during incubation, an important reason for people to respect nest locations.