Eagles have returned to the Nooksack in droves. This is why their future could be at risk
Jul. 7—The number of bald eagles seen around Deming in the last 50 years has sextupled, a trend that persists all along the Nooksack River.
Past studies in the area have shown only about 100 bald eagles in an 18-mile stretch of the Nooksack River, but that number has ballooned to nearly 600, according to a soon-to-be-published study.
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The carcasses of chum salmon feed the eagles who have migrated to the area for winter feeding, nourishing themselves on the fish that come up the river to spawn and die.
However, a decline in chum salmon remains along the river banks may be forcing bald eagles to seek food elsewhere, according to the study. A combination of declining chum salmon numbers and climate change have caused eagles to feed on the agricultural lands around the river. Byproducts from the dairy industry and waterfowl from the area have become an increasing factor in the bald eagle diet.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/eagles-have-returned-to-the-nooksack-in-droves-this-is-why-their-future-could-be-at-risk/ar-AAZkjSQ