LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Institute of Natural Sciences (TINS), with the help of 113 observers stationed around the lake, announced 23 bald eagles were seen during the one-day event. Of those, 17 were adults or sub-adults, four were juveniles or immatures, and two were of unknown age. The number of bald eagles was more than last year’s 15, but not the record-breaking 41 spotted in 2021.
Survey conditions were cold but excellent, with sunny skies and little to no wind, an ideal day for spotting birds. Highlights were plentiful throughout the day.
At Emerald Bay, five eagles put on a show for observers during the entire count period. South Lake Tahoe High School students stationed at Regan Beach were thrilled to watch two adult bald eagles fly past their location. Observers at Kings Beach tracked what appeared to be the same eagle as it continuously circled the area for much of the survey. The northwest and southeast stations also observed several eagles, while Fallen Leaf Lake offered a particularly magical experience, with frequent circling interactions observed between two eagles.
As always, some stations were “skunked” and did not observe any eagles, a reminder that the randomness of wildlife is simply part of the count. That said, all wildlife observations are valuable. TINS Executive Director, Will Richardson, especially enjoyed watching chickadees feeding on insects along the sand at Lake Forest, proof that nature always has something to offer.
Support Eagles and TINS
Overall, the 2026 Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Count was a successful and memorable day for both participants and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Thank you again for your time, enthusiasm, and commitment to citizen science.
All of the TINS citizen science projects and outings are carefully coordinated, free, and open to the public. If you’d like to help them continue this work and foster meaningful connections with nature, please consider becoming a member or donating at www.tinsweb.org.
Upcoming Opportunity
Interested in learning more about raptors (and woodpeckers)? Sign up for the free three-part online bird ID course, with an optional raptor field trip to wrap up the series and another great opportunity to see eagles – almost guaranteed!
-Tahoe Institute of Natural Sciences
