Have you spotted the bald eagles living in Laurelhurst Park? What to know

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A mated pair of bald eagles have turned up at Laurelhurst Park in Southeast Portland — and it’s not clear when they are leaving.

The earliest report of the bald eagles at the park came to KOIN 6 News on March 6, 2025. Since then, there have been several sightings of the predators in the area.

According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the bald eagle typically breeds in 32 out of the state’s 36 counties but can be found throughout the state even during the non-breeding season.

This raptor, also referred to as a “sea-eagle,” will typically nest near a body of water — typically lakes and rivers. Laurelhurst Park may be home to a large pond, but the Bird Alliance of Oregon says the park may be a pit stop on the way to fairer waters.

“They are probably transiting across the park from a nesting area somewhere closer to the river, though we don't have any actual data on these individuals,” Candace Larson with the Bird Alliance said. “They are often seen in parks in the urban core that contain enough habitat for safe perches.”

If nesting, the birds could be expected to stay at the park for approximately eight weeks. During this time, eagles are particularly susceptible to human activity, according to the FWS. In some cases, babies may leave the nest prematurely and die.

Studies of bald eagle nesting habits show that, if a nesting location is successful, the birds could return to the same location for future mating seasons.

But in the meantime, Larson said the eagles pose little threat to the Portland community — including local pets.

“They are opportunistic hunters, concentrating on fish where available but also able to feed on ducks and other small wildlife. So it is plausible they could go after a duck on the pond, though I haven't heard anyone saying they've seen this behavior,” she said. “I would consider the risk to small pets exceedingly low. Reports of this are very rare and many of the internet memes have turned out to be fake.”

If you have seen the Laurelhurst Park bald eagles, send your photos to news@koin.com.