BirdAnalyst
Species · Maryland · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Bald Eagle Population Trend in Maryland

All statesBirds of prey

Bald Eagle in Maryland has surged: up 59× on the route-weighted index since 1968.

59×Since 1968TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
50Routes In StateSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
54YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Bald Eagle Trends in MarylandNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

No notable trend signals for Bald Eagle in Maryland. See the full index history below.

Bald Eagle Population Forecast in Maryland

If the recent trend holds, Bald Eagle in Maryland is projected to fall about 10% by 2030 — from 1.7 in 2025 to a central estimate of 1.5 (95% range 0.87–2.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±32.9%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-10%Change by 2030TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
1.5Projected 2030 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.87–2.195% range95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
±32.9%Backtest errorBacktest errorTypical error when we hold out the most recent years, forecast them, and compare to what actually happened. Lower means a more trustworthy projection.Full methodology →
If the recent trend holds, Bald Eagle in Maryland is projected to fall about 10% by 2030 — from 1.7 in 2025 to a central estimate of 1.5 (95% range 0.87–2.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±32.9%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19662030
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →95% low95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →95% high95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
20261.40.752.0
20271.40.782.0
20281.40.812.1
20291.50.842.1
20301.50.872.1

Bald Eagle Survey Routes in Maryland

Routes recording Bald Eagle in Maryland.
Recent countThe raw number of individuals recorded on this route in its most recent survey year. A single-route tally, not a trend.Full methodology →
Honga1920251966
Harmony1720171967
Vienna720251989
Cokesbury720251990
Indiantown520141999
Melitota520251983
Madison520251974
Emmitsburg420242014
Matthews420252007
St. George'S Island420172015
Williamsport320242019
Tall Timbers320131987
Millington320241988
Golden Hill320251988
Wolfsville220252015
Pomfret220241993
Easton220252016
Mardela220192007
Jessup220252023
Ijamsville220232005
Island Creek220252016
Vindex120162016
Grove Neck119961994
Olney120222019
Warfieldsbrg120182013

Bald Eagle Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniasouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-08-14.