Bald Eagles on Squam Lake

Bald Eagles first nested on Squam Lake in 2003. They initially built a nest on the top of a pine on Little Loon Island. After the nest failure in 2013 a new male took over the territory and built a new nest on Long Island in 2014. In 2020, the pair moved to a new nest on Big Loon Island and in 2022, they built a new nest on Long Island.

In October 2020, the female eagle was found mortally injured on an island on Wickwas Lake and subsequently died. The cause of death was determined to likely be from a fight with another eagle. This location is well outside her territory and means perhaps that she was ousted from her breeding territory and was roaming into other territories. She was hatched/banded in 1999 at Little Quabbin Island in Ware, MA. She was breeding at the nest on Squam since 2003 and raised 26 chicks. The leading cause of mortality in NH’s wild Bald Eagles is fatal injuries from fights with other eagles – a sign of a healthy population with plenty of young fit eagles ready to take over territories.

New Hampshire has a growing population of nesting bald Eagles. In 2022, Chris Martin form NH Audubon provided the following state update: "92 TERRITORIAL PAIRS of Bald Eagles were located in NH, up nearly 14% compared to 2021. 72 PAIRS were confirmed INCUBATING, up more than 7% from 2021. We counted 51 SUCCESSFUL NESTS, which was down 4% compared with the prior year. And we tallied 84 YOUNG FLEDGED, up almost 4% over the 81 fledglings produced in both 2019 and in 2021. This year’s totals for territorial pairs, pairs incubating, and young fledged all set new state-record highs for the post-DDT era. If the present population growth rate continues for the rest of this decade, NH will have 200 territorial pairs of Bald Eagles by 2030!"

Squam Lake Bald Eagle Nesting Success:

2022 - 2 chicks fledged
2021 - Too late to nest
2020 - 3 chicks fledged
2019 - Nest failed in early April.
2018 - Nest failed after hatch. Possibly due to predation.
2017 - Nesting attempt failed in April after nest damaged in winter
2016 - 3 chicks fledged
2015 - Nest failed
2014 - 3 chicks fledged
2013 - Nest failed due to severe ice storm in late April
2012 - 3 chicks fledged
2011 - 3 chicks fledged
2010 - 2 chicks fledged
2009 - 2 chicks fledged
2008 - 2 chicks fledged
2007 - Pair used alternate nest on Long Island, failed with eggs or small chicks
2006 - 2 chicks fledged
2005 - 2 chicks fledged
2004 - 1 chick fledged
2003 - 1 chick fledged

Chantilly Lace, 05/09/21
It was nice to visit. However , the price is high yet I understand why. They are a nonprofit and need the money. I do wish they had a post up talking about the animal in the exhibit. For example the 3 legged fisher. I would of liked to of learned more about them. Is there a sight online to learn about them. Some stuff was closed but is understandable.
Lois Taylor, 05/09/21
We are.members and have been for years. We always enjoy our visit with the animals ♡
Eben Gannett, 03/26/19
This is by far one the best not so hidden gems of Central New Hampshire! While it functions similarly to a zoo the goal of the facility is to rehabilitate and care for local animals found in the white mountains fo NH. The animals who stay are there for medical or other legitimate reasons to keep them from living in the wild and are given wonderful care. The staff that works there is knowledgable and kind, eager to answer any questions about the animals you may have. The path to see all the animals is fun and equivalent to many easy day hikes with spots to picnic, and a wonderful play/learning area for the young and young at heart. It is a place my family loves to visit time and time again, never getting board of the wonderful animals, new things to learn, and great day that always ensues.
Lisa Rechisky, 06/19/21
This place is wonderful. It's a great way to spend a half day with the kids. There are engaging exhibits and animals that are native to the region. They've implemented a no food policy and routed traffic in one direction during COVID.
Ariana Hernandez, 10/27/19
I love this place! It's like a zoo. You see different creatures and read little cool facts about New Hampshire's wild life on the way of the paths you walk. But, it's not only just all walking, you could also visit the play ground they have so your kids could have fun and a educational time.