Bald Eagle nesting density and success in relation to distance from clearcut logging in Southeast Alaska

The density of active nests of bald eagles Haliaeetus leucocephalus decreased with increasing proximity to clearcuts; nesting success (number of chicks/nest) did not vary with density and proximity to clearcuts. Our results indicate that buffer zones around eagle nests probably should be at least 300 m wide to maintain eagle nesting density. Still wider buffers might be needed to include adequate alternative nest sites and perch trees, but the optimal width of the buffer strip may vary with other locally important factors, such as food availability.