Bald eagles are the national bird of America, and Saguaro cacti symbolize Arizona in a way that few other objects can compare to. Put them both together, and you’ve got an unparalleled display of pride for both our state and country. Such an image was recently captured in real life by the Arizona Game and Fish Department: a bald eagle nest in the crook of a massive Saguaro cactus arm.
Perhaps the most iconic symbol of Arizona, the Saguaro cactus holds a special place in our hearts. As it turns out, we’re not the only species who feels that way!
Flickr/John Fowler
Saguaro cacti are known to host a variety of animals. The flesh and fruit serve as food and water sources, while birds like woodpeckers, owls, finches, sparrows, and as we now know, bald eagles, build nests in the crooks of the massive arms.
Flickr/Henry
Scientists have long-suspected that bald eagles use Saguaros as nesting sites, but it was never confirmed — until now. Earlier this month, a tip led Arizona Game and Fish Department raptor management coordinator, Kenneth “Tuk” Jacobson, to document the phenomenon for the first time in more than 30 years of research.
Facebook/Arizona Game & Fish Department
Unprecedented in a beautiful way, the sighting is a testament to the increasing bald eagle population in Arizona. From fewer than half a dozen nests in 1970 to almost 90 last year, our national bird is making quite an impressive comeback.
Flickr/Andy Morffew
Bald eagle nests have been sighted in similar cacti in Mexico, but the last observation in a Saguaro was almost 80 years ago. Even still, only empty nests were noted in the historical record.
Facebook/Arizona Game & Fish Department
This time around, Jacobson and his crew spotted several eaglets in the nest during a helicopter survey. A promising sign, this finding illustrates the health of both the parents and species as a whole.
Flickr/USFWS Mountain-Prairie
Although bald eagles are no longer endangered, it’s important we all work to encourage their continued growth. If you happen upon a nest while hiking, take care not to disturb the birds in any way and report the location to the Arizona Game & Fish Department as soon as possible.
Facebook/Arizona Game & Fish Department
Visit the Arizona Game and Fish website or Facebook page to learn more.
Flickr/John Fowler
Flickr/Henry
Facebook/Arizona Game & Fish Department
Flickr/Andy Morffew
Flickr/USFWS Mountain-Prairie
Have you ever seen any sort of birds nesting in a Saguaro? What are your thoughts on this incredible observation? Let us know, and check out our previous article for more about our favorite cacti: Nearly 2 Million Cacti Grow In This Unique Arizona National Park.
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