ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – More than 110 volunteers joined U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Albuquerque District staff at five of their lakes – Abiquiu, Cochiti, and Santa Rosa lakes in New Mexico, and Trinidad Lake and John Martin Reservoir in Colorado – for midwinter eagle surveys in January 2025.
A total of 80 bald and golden eagles were spotted this year at the five lakes.
Abiquiu Lake:
Approximately 75 volunteers showed up at Abiquiu Lake, Jan. 11, 2025, to count eagles. Before the volunteers left for their observation stations, local biologist Kathrine Eagleson and Abiquiu Lake Park Ranger Kara Rapp gave a presentation on eagle identification.
The volunteers looked for eagles from two fixed observation points and on the lake by boat.
“It was a great year for the eagle watch! We had the highest count of eagles since 2015,” said Rapp.
The result at the end of the day was a total of 17 eagles spotted: 13 adult bald eagles, two immature bald eagles, one adult golden eagle, and one immature golden eagle.
Abiquiu Lake has hosted an annual midwinter eagle survey since the 1980s.
Cochiti Lake:
More than 30 volunteers came out to Cochiti Lake, Jan. 11, 2025, to participate in the eagle survey. The volunteers started out at the Visitor Center where they learned about eagles, other frequently seen birds around the lake, and got an activity hazard analysis for the day’s activities including water safety.
The volunteers were divided into several groups, each joined by Cochiti Lake staff, and were stationed at multiple survey points around the lake. The points were strategically placed for the best viewing opportunities and included one on the bluff north of the Ringtail Campground loop, two points along the Dam Crest Road, and on the Cochiti Lake maintenance boat out on the lake.
Most of the 14 total eagles counted during the event were on the Tetilla side of the lake. A few eagles were seen below the dam near the outlet works and toward the Pueblo de Cochiti.
According to Cochiti Lake staff, there was positive feedback on the event and there were numerous volunteers who are looking forward to returning for next year’s eagle watch.
Santa Rosa Lake:
Three volunteers joined USACE-Santa Rosa staff and New Mexico State Parks personnel for the eagle watch event held at Santa Rosa Lake, Jan. 15, 2025. They went around the lake to view eagles for the count. A total of four bald eagles were observed: three immature bald eagles and one mature bald eagle.
“The day was filled with fun as we had some volunteers that traveled from afar to experience the beauty of Santa Rosa Lake and its surroundings,” said Paul Sanchez, USACE park ranger at Santa Rosa Lake.
“The eagle watch at Santa Rosa Lake was a huge accomplishment as we were able to see some bald eagles and sustain an ecosystem and a migratory area where hopefully eagles will continue to return to its natural habitat,” he said.
John Martin Reservoir:
“We had a single volunteer brave the cold for this survey; road conditions and temperatures were harsh,” said Trevor Schuller, USACE park ranger at John Martin.
Schuller said that overall, the survey, held Jan. 10, 2025, went very well. A total of 44 bald eagles were spotted this year. Historically, bald eagles are more common than golden eagles at the reservoir; only a few golden eagles are spotted each year.
While not as many eagles were spotted as there were during last year’s event, Schuller said “perhaps the lesser numbers had to do with less ice coverage on the reservoir this year.”
Trinidad Lake:
This was the first year Trinidad Lake participated in the midwinter eagle survey. USACE staff at the lake partnered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and local volunteers to search three predetermined, replicable routes for eagles, Jan 7, 2025. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather, only one eagle was spotted.
“Plans are already made for the survey to be on the same date in 2026,” said Kim Falen, USACE operations manager at Trinidad Lake.