BLM Kemmerer Field Office completes 2026 mid-winter bald eagle survey
KEMMERER, Wyo.— The Bureau of Land Management Kemmerer Field office recently completed its annual Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Survey on Jan. 9, 2026, contributing to a nationwide effort to monitor bald eagle populations and long-term population trends.
The survey was conducted by BLM staff and volunteers who surveyed 11 routes throughout southwestern Wyoming, observing a total of 17 eagles across a range of habitats, including riparian river drainages and sagebrush steppe uplands. Observations included 13 bald eagles, two golden eagles and two unidentified eagles.
Survey participants observed more eagles this year compared to the 2025 survey, making a successful year for monitoring efforts.
“This annual survey provides valuable information about eagle distribution and habitat use across the landscape,” said David Merz, wildlife biologist with the BLM Kemmerer Field Office. “By collecting consistent date year after year, we’re able to contribute to a broader understanding of bald eagle population trends nationwide.”
Since 1979, federal and state agencies as well as volunteers from the public have counted bald eagles throughout the United States every January. By monitoring and estimating national and regional count trends, an index of the total winter bald eagle population in the lower 48 states has been established.
David continued, “The Kemmerer Field Office has conducted the Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Survey for many years and continues to contribute important bald eagle survey data to this nationwide collaborative survey effort that analyzes bald eagle population trends across the country.”
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The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.