5 Tricks to Call a Bald Eagle to You

Have you ever been captivated by the majestic presence of a bald eagle soaring overhead? The sight of this magnificent bird, with its piercing gaze and distinctive white head, can fill one with both awe and wonder. But what if you could experience the thrill of not only observing an eagle but also calling it to you? This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is possible with the proper knowledge and techniques. So, prepare yourself for an extraordinary adventure as we embark on a journey to master the art of calling a bald eagle.

It is important to note that calling a bald eagle requires patience, persistence, and a deep understanding of their behavior. Before attempting this endeavor, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the species by observing their habits and identifying their preferred habitats. Patience plays a crucial role in this process, as eagles often take their time before responding to calls. However, with perseverance and meticulous attention, you will increase your chances of success. Now, let us delve into the specific techniques that will guide you towards the rewarding experience of calling a bald eagle.

Identifying Eagle Habitat

Bald eagles are majestic birds that can be found in a variety of habitats across North America. They typically prefer areas near large bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, or oceans. These areas provide them with an abundant food source, as well as perching and nesting sites.

Nesting Sites

Bald eagles typically build their nests in tall trees, often near the top. The nests are usually large and bulky, and are made of sticks, branches, and other natural materials. The eagles will often use the same nest year after year, adding to it and repairing it as needed.

Foraging Areas

Bald eagles are opportunistic predators, and will eat a variety of fish, small mammals, and birds. They typically hunt by soaring over their territory, scanning the ground for prey. When they spot something they want to eat, they will dive down and snatch it up.

Perching Sites

Bald eagles often perch on tall snags or other high perches. This gives them a good vantage point from which to spot prey and survey their territory. They will also perch on trees and other structures while they are resting or sleeping.

Table: Bald Eagle Habitat Characteristics

Equipment for Eagle Calling

1. Call Box

A call box is a small, wooden box that produces a high-pitched sound when air is blown into it. This sound imitates the call of a young bald eagle, which attracts adult eagles to the area. Call boxes can be purchased from a variety of hunting and outdoor gear retailers.

2. Diaphragm Call

A diaphragm call is a small, circular piece of plastic or metal that is placed against the lips and vibrated to produce sound. Diaphragm calls can produce a variety of sounds, including the calls of bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and other birds of prey. They require some practice to use effectively, but they can be very realistic and effective when used properly.

Characteristic	Description
Nesting Sites	Tall trees, often near the top
Foraging Areas	Large bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, or oceans
Perching Sites	Tall snags or other high perches

Type of Call	Sound	Effectiveness
Call Box	High-pitched, plaintive cry	Attractive to adult eagles
Diaphragm Call	Variety of sounds, including eagle calls	Can be realistic and effective with practice

3. Owl Hooter

An owl hooter is a whistle that produces a sound similar to the call of a great horned owl. Great horned owls are natural predators of bald eagles, so the sound of an owl hooter can trigger a protective response in eagles, causing them to come to investigate.

4. Decoys

Decoys are lifelike representations of bald eagles that can be used to attract eagles to a hunting area. Decoys can be placed on the ground, in trees, or on water. They can be particularly effective when used in conjunction with eagle calls.

Preparation for Calling

1. Choose the Right Time and Location

Bald eagles are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. They are also more likely to respond to calls during the spring and summer months when they are nesting and raising young.

2. Find a Suitable Calling Spot

Look for a spot that is high and clear, with a good view of the surrounding area. This will give you the best chance of spotting an eagle and getting its attention.

3. Practice Your Call

There are a few different types of calls that you can use to attract bald eagles. The most common is a high-pitched whistle. You can also try a series of short, sharp clicks or a combination of whistles and clicks. The best way to practice is to listen to recordings of bald eagle calls and try to imitate them.

Eagle Call Type	Description
High-pitched whistle	A long, sustained whistle that rises in pitch.
Short, sharp clicks	A series of short, sharp clicks that are repeated at a regular interval.
Whistles and clicks	A combination of high-pitched whistles and short, sharp clicks.

It may take some practice to perfect your call, but with patience and persistence, you will eventually be able to attract the attention of a bald eagle.

Finding an Open Area

Bald eagles prefer open areas with unobstructed views where they can easily spot prey. When choosing a calling location, look for:

Open fields or meadows: Avoid areas with tall trees or dense vegetation that could block the eagle’s view.
Lakes or rivers: Bald eagles frequently hunt along bodies of water, so these areas are good spots for calling.
Hilltops or ridges: Elevations provide a better vantage point for the eagle to scan its surroundings.
Clear skies: Avoid calling during cloudy or rainy weather, as overcast skies can reduce the eagle’s visibility.
Avoid human activity: Choose areas that are relatively undisturbed by humans, as noise and movement can scare away the eagle.

Additional Tips:

Consider the wind direction. Eagles have excellent hearing, so they may approach from downwind. Position yourself accordingly.

Set up a high perch or hide so you can remain concealed while calling. This will prevent the eagle from spotting you and becoming spooked.

Practice your calls regularly to improve your technique and increase your chances of success.

Practice Vocalizations

Step 1: Start with a soft whistle.

Begin by making a gentle whistling sound. This will help get the bald eagle’s attention without startling it.

Step 2: Gradually increase the volume.

Once the bald eagle has acknowledged your whistle, slowly increase the volume. This will help it locate you and approach cautiously.

Step 3: Experiment with different pitches.

Bald eagles communicate using various vocalizations, so try varying the pitch of your whistle to see what elicits a response.

Step 4: Use a bird call app.

There are several bird call apps available that can provide recordings of bald eagle vocalizations. Playing these recordings can help attract the eagles’ attention.

Step 5: Learn the “bugle call” technique.

The “bugle call” is a specific vocalization used by bald eagles to communicate over long distances. To imitate it, hold your mouth slightly open and blow air through your pursed lips. Start with a low pitch and gradually increase it to resemble the characteristic call of the bald eagle.

Step	Vocalization
1	Soft whistle
2	Increased volume whistle
3	Variable pitch whistle
4	Bird call app recording
5	“Bugle call” technique

Using a Handheld Call

Handheld calls are a convenient and effective way to attract bald eagles from a distance. Here are the steps to follow:

Identify a suitable habitat: Bald eagles are often found near bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, or estuaries.
Choose a clear vantage point: Select a spot with an open view of the surrounding area, where you can easily observe any incoming eagles.
Use a high-pitched call: Bald eagles have excellent hearing, so use a call that is sharp and piercing. A common call to use is a series of “kee-kee-kee” sounds.
Call in intervals: Make a series of calls, spaced a few seconds apart. This will help the eagles locate you.
Be patient: It may take several minutes or even longer for an eagle to respond. Continue calling until you have attracted their attention.
Wait for a response: Once an eagle has located you, it may approach cautiously. Be still and observe its behavior. If the eagle is interested, it will gradually move closer.
Respect wildlife: Always maintain a respectful distance from the eagle and avoid any disruptive behavior.

Tip: The following table provides a range of possible handheld calls that can be used to attract bald eagles:

Call	Description
Kee-kee-kee	A series of high-pitched calls
Tra-tra-tra	A series of short, rapid calls
Clic-clic-clic	A series of high-pitched, metallic clicks
Clek-clack-clack	A series of louder, more resonant calls

Timing and Duration of Calls

The timing and duration of bald eagle calls vary depending on the context and the individual bird. However, there are some general patterns that can be observed.

Dawn and Dusk

Bald eagles are most vocal at dawn and dusk. This is likely because these are the times when they are most active, hunting and foraging. Calls during this time are often long and drawn-out, lasting for several seconds.

Alarm Calls

When bald eagles are alarmed or threatened, they will emit short, sharp calls. These calls are often repeated in quick succession, and they serve to alert other eagles to the presence of danger.

Contact Calls

Bald eagles also use calls to stay in contact with each other. These calls are typically shorter and less frequent than alarm calls, and they can vary in pitch and volume.

Courtship Calls

During the breeding season, bald eagles use a variety of calls to attract mates. These calls can be complex and elaborate, and they often involve both the male and female eagle.

Nestling Calls

Young bald eagles emit distress calls when they are hungry or cold. These calls are typically high-pitched and insistent, and they serve to attract the attention of the parents.

Calls During Flight

Bald eagles often call while they are in flight. These calls are typically short and sharp, and they serve to communicate with other eagles in the area. The pitch and volume of these calls can vary depending on the distance between the eagles.

Call Type	Timing	Duration
Dawn and Dusk	Dawn and Dusk	Several seconds
Alarm Calls	When alarmed or threatened	Short, sharp, repeated in quick succession
Contact Calls	To stay in contact with each other	Shorter and less frequent than alarm calls
Courtship Calls	During the breeding season	Complex and elaborate, involving both the male and female eagle
Nestling Calls	When hungry or cold	High-pitched and insistent
Calls During Flight	While in flight	Short and sharp

Patience and Persistence

Calling a bald eagle is not an easy task. It takes patience, persistence, and a lot of practice. However, if you are successful, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Be patient

Bald eagles are highly intelligent birds, and they can be very wary of humans. It may take several attempts before you are successful in calling one in. Don’t give up if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep practicing and eventually you will be rewarded.

Be persistent

Even if you are patient, you will need to be persistent if you want to call in a bald eagle. This means making multiple attempts, even if you don’t see any results at first. The more you practice, the better you will become at calling in eagles.

Use the right call

There are a few different calls that you can use to try to call in a bald eagle. The most common call is the “mew” call. This call is a high-pitched, whistled sound that imitates the sound of a young eagle. You can also try using the “eek” call, which is a lower-pitched, more guttural sound. Experiment with different calls to see which one works best for you.

Find the right location

Bald eagles are most likely to respond to calls in areas where they are known to live and hunt. This includes areas near lakes, rivers, and forests. If you are not sure where to find bald eagles, you can check with your local wildlife agency.

Use the right time of day

Bald eagles are most active during the early morning and late evening hours. This is when they are most likely to be feeding and hunting. If you are trying to call in an eagle, try doing so during these times.

Be quiet

Bald eagles are very sensitive to noise. If you are trying to call in an eagle, be sure to be quiet and still. Don’t make any sudden movements or loud noises.

Use a decoy

A decoy can be a helpful tool for calling in bald eagles. Decoys are lifelike models of eagles that can be placed in areas where eagles are known to live and hunt. Eagles are often attracted to decoys, and they may come in close to investigate.

Be prepared to be patient

Even if you do everything right, there is no guarantee that you will be successful in calling in a bald eagle. Eagles are wild animals, and they are not always predictable. If you don’t see results immediately, don’t give up. Just keep practicing and eventually you will be rewarded.

Respectful Observation

To avoid disturbing or agitating bald eagles, maintain a respectful distance. Use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to observe them from afar. Be aware of their body language and avoid approaching if they display signs of distress or aggression, such as holding their wings away from their bodies or making loud calls.

Observation Etiquette:

Observe bald eagles quietly and unobtrusively. Avoid talking loudly, making sudden movements, or using flash photography. If you notice any changes in their behavior, such as flushing (taking flight), reduce your distance or move away entirely.

Distance Guidelines:

Activity	Distance
Passive observation	150-300 feet
Photography or videography	100-200 feet
Disturbance zone	Less than 100 feet

Remember, the well-being of bald eagles is paramount. Respect their boundaries and observe them with responsible caution.

Safety Considerations

It’s crucial to prioritize safety when attempting to call bald eagles. Here are some important considerations:

1. Choose a Safe Location

Select an open area with a clear line of sight to avoid disturbing the bird or causing harm to yourself or others.

2. Avoid Disturbing the Nest

Respect the eagle’s nesting space. Never approach a nest too closely, as this may endanger the eggs or chicks.

3. Keep Pets at Home

Pets, especially dogs, can startle or threaten eagles. Avoid bringing pets along on your call.

4. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Pay attention to your surroundings for potential hazards, such as other wildlife, slippery terrain, or obstacles.

5. Protect Your Eyes

Wear sunglasses or binoculars to protect your eyes from the sun’s glare, which can make it difficult to spot eagles.

6. Avoid Sudden Movements

Startle reactions can frighten eagles, so move slowly and deliberately.

7. Respect the Bird’s Space

Allow the eagle to respond to your calls at its own pace. Avoid chasing or pursuing the bird.

8. Call Ethical Considerations

Respect the well-being of the eagle. Do not call for the bird repeatedly or for an extended period.

9. Be Patient

Calling bald eagles can be a lengthy process. Allow ample time for the bird to respond.

10. Respect Local Regulations

Review local regulations and permits regarding calling or interacting with wildlife. Follow all applicable laws and guidelines.

How To Call A Bald Eagle

Bald eagles are majestic birds that can be seen in many parts of North America. They are often seen soaring high in the sky or perched on a tree branch. Bald eagles are very vocal birds, and they have a variety of calls that they use to communicate with each other. One of the most common bald eagle calls is the contact call. This call is used to keep in touch with other eagles, and it can be heard from a long distance away. The contact call is a high-pitched, squeaky sound that sounds like “kee-kee-kee.” Bald eagles also have a territorial call that they use to defend their territory from other eagles. This call is a loud, raspy sound that sounds like “kwaah-kwaah-kwaah.” Bald eagles also have a courtship call that they use to attract mates. This call is a soft, melodic sound that sounds like “coo-coo-coo.”