Welcome to Eagle Mesa!
Eagle Mesa, an extraordinary exhibit at the Living Coast Discovery Center, offers you the unique opportunity to come face-to-face with majestic bald and golden eagles. Step into their world and discover the secrets of how these giant birds take to the skies, execute flawless hunting strategies, and rely on their incredible eyesight to spot prey. Don’t miss the Eagle Presentation at 10:30 AM every Wednesday through Sunday for an extra-special encounter with these magnificent creatures.
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Adult bald eagles have white heads and tails with dark brown bodies and wings. Their legs and beaks are bright yellow. Juveniles have mostly dark heads and tails; their brown wings and bodies are mottled with white in varying amounts.
They are found throughout the U.S., parts of northern Mexico, and most of Canada, extending as far north as Alaska. Commonly found near lakes, reservoirs, rivers, marshes, and coasts.
As opportunistic feeders, they eat a range of food, including fish, birds, mammals, and carrion. They are an apex predator, but face threats from humans.
Bald eagles were listed as an endangered species from 1978 to 2007, but due to conservation efforts, their global population has since increased significantly. In the mid-to-late 1900s, the bald eagle population began to decline due to trapping, shooting, and poisoning, as well as reproductive failure caused by pesticides. The bird’s main threat was a pesticide, DDT, which was banned, leading to a dramatic resurgence.
Betsy Ross
Betsy is our resident bald eagle.
Rescued in Ramona, Betsy was found with an injured left wing. Her wing has to be partially amputated, resulting in her being deemed non-releasable. Betsy has lived at the Living Coast since 2018 and acts as an ambassador for her wild counterparts!
Golden Ealge
Aquila chrysaetos
The golden eagle is one of the largest birds in North America. The wings are broad like a red-tailed hawk… but much longer! Adult golden eagles are dark brown with a golden sheen on the back of the head and neck.
They are found from Mexico through much of western North America as far north as Alaska and can also be found in Asia, Northern Africa, and Europe.
They prefer open habitats and can be spotted in mountains up to 12,000ft, canyonlands, rimrock terrain, and riverside cliffs and bluffs.
They typically nest on cliffs and steep escarpments in grassland, chaparral, shrubland, forests, and other vegetated areas.
Golden eagles primarily feed on small to medium-sized mammals, including hares, rabbits, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and marmots.
Dorado
Dorado is a golden eagle that lives in Eagle Mesa!
Like Betsy, he was found with injuries on his left wing. These injuries are usually consistent with a car strike. The wing had to be partially amputated, leading to Dorado being deemed non-releasable.
Dorado has been with the Living Coast since 2002; he is older than some of our staff members!
Learn more about our eagles!
Check out our 10:30 AM Eagle Presentation offered Wednesday through Sunday!