Photo by: Mary Ellen Leicht

In 1996 Iowa possessed only 54 active nests in 20 counties. However, over the last decade those numbers have increased substantially, as new nests are being reported every year. In 2006, 77 out of the 99 Iowa counties possess bald eagle nests. Conservative estimates indicate Iowa possesses 200 active bald eagle nests.

Only conservative estimates are available, because the Iowa DNR staff no longer has the resources to monitor many of the Iowa nests, nor to adequately search for new nests. Monitoring of nests is left mostly up to volunteers and concerned citizens. Therefore, the discovery of new nests, which is often by chance, is primarily by volunteers, other citizens, and agency staff. As a result many nests go unnoticed and unreported.

If you or anyone you know locates a bald eagle nest, please report your findings to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Diversity Program, 1436 255th Street, Boone, IA 50036.

Observing Eagle Nests

• Realize that nesting eagles are protected by law, please do not disturb them
• Please remain ¼ mile from the nesting eagles and view them from afar
• Do not approach the nest, breeding eagles, or nesting tree during nesting season (January - July)
• Realize that nests are typically on private land, so please do not trespass unless permission from the landowner has been granted

	*.doc	*.pdf
Bald Eagle Nest Reporting Instructions and Form
How to Identify a Bald Eagle Nest
How to Find Your UTM Coordinates Online
Volunteer Wildlife Monitoring Program

If you cannot download the above instructions and forms...
If you have difficulty downloading these files, please contact Stephanie Shepherd at Stephanie.Shepherd@dnr.state.ia.us for assistance in obtaining a hard copy of the form.