RECENT DISTRIBUTION AND STATUS OF NESTING BALD EAGLES IN BAJA-CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

We studied Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting in Baja Cali fornia, Mexico, and vicinity from 1983-1993. The range of nesting Bald Eagles in Baja California has been reduced from a scattering of pairs along both the Pacific and Gulf sides to a remnant population in Magd alena Bay where no more than three pairs were found annually. Low numb ers and a restricted distribution make this disjunct population especi ally vulnerable to human disturbance. Additional protection of present nesting localities and a reintroduction program on remote islands in the Gulf of California, where eagles historically nested, are proposed . Limited data on nesting success indicate that the Magdalena Bay popu lation is reproducing successfully with young probably dispersing nort h following fledging. The Bald Eagles found wintering along the Colora do River Delta in January apparently nest farther north in the United States or Canada.