Nesting activity begins in February with the establishment of the nest territory and construction. Nests are generally built in locations where early nesting season food supply is available. Where there are no suitable trees, the nest can be found on cliffs, sea stacks or rock promontories. In forested areas, Bald Eagles select the tallest trees with limbs strong enough to support a nest that may weigh as much as 1,000 pounds. Most common trees picked are Sitka spruce, western hemlock, yellow and red cedar.
Mortality is high between egg-laying and fledging.
Eaglets make their first unsteady flights after approximately 11 weeks in the nest and fledge. The young birds will remain in the vicinity of the nesting area for several weeks after fledging. Bald eagles feed mainly on fish but also on waterbirds, small mammals, and carrion. Their wing tips are black and the tail is long and narrow. They are year- round resident of the tundra, marshes, lakes, rivers and streams.