A bald eagle glides gracefully above Mississauga’s south end near R. K. Mc Millan Park. A local nature enthusiast and passionate photographer has been watching two of these magnificent birds since spotting them in 2024. (Photo: Scott Heywood)
For many birdwatchers, catching sight of a bald eagle in Mississauga – which is still quite rare – is thrilling and something worth sharing.
Scott Heywood feels the same way – except that for almost two years now, this lifelong Mississauga resident, nature lover, and enthusiastic photographer has consistently seen not just one, but two of these impressive raptors as they go about their lives at R. K. Mc Millan Park along the lake.
He first noticed the unmistakable bald eagles soaring during a visit to the popular green space located in the Port Credit area in fall 2024.
Heywood, who studied biology nearly thirty years ago at University of Toronto Mississauga, told INsauga. com in an interview this week that he was sitting on the beach at the park in late 2024 when he first spotted these stunning birds.
He mentioned it was his very first time seeing a bald eagle – let alone two – in Mississauga. This isn’t surprising considering Credit Valley Conservation reported earlier this year that North America’s largest birds of prey have only recently begun returning to Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto, and other southern Ontario communities after being scarce for many years.
Another image featuring one of the bald eagles residing in R. K. Mc Millan Park in Mississauga. (Photo: Scott Heywood)
Excited by his find, Heywood quickly began photographing the bald eagles and has kept up this hobby with regular visits to the waterfront park over the past couple of years.
During this time, he says he’s lucky enough to have seen them “too many times to count.”
This week, Heywood shared one of his latest photos on Facebook group Port Credit Life. Many people reacted with comments expressing their interest and admiration for both the beauty captured in his photo and the awe-inspiring subjects flying high above Canada’s seventh-largest city.
The bald eagles have chosen a home in the “tallest tree”
In response to someone’s comment, Heywood pointed out that these large birds are nesting in “the tallest tree just before the little pier” at R. K. Mc Millan Park.
“What’s unique is there are two of them,” he added on his post while noting they’ve been around for at least two years as far as he knows. “They fly away, fish and return a few times a day.”
Reflecting on his experience nearly two years later, Heywood vividly remembers how thrilled he felt when he first spotted those beautiful creatures soaring overhead.
“I had to find somebody to tell,” he remarked. After capturing some breathtaking images, he found himself sharing them with friends who were amazed by what he’d discovered – something so uncommon.
The majestic bird occasionally swoops down from above to hunt for fish below. (Photo: Scott Heywood)
Always respectful towards these animals and their need for privacy, Heywood says he keeps a safe distance from their nest whenever visiting the park.
“I like to just sit and observe,” he explained while expressing hope that bald eagles are making a comeback in Mississauga due to improving environments and increased respect for natural areas.
Bald eagles are considered a “conservation success story,” according to CVC
This year local conservation officials noted that bald eagles can live up to thirty years or more and are indeed a “conservation success story” within the Credit River Watershed encompassing Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Halton Hills, Orangeville among other smaller communities.
“Once rare due to habitat loss and pollution; these powerful birds have returned as water quality improved along with rebounding fish populations-a clear indication of healthier watersheds,” said officials from Credit Valley Conservation.
CVC works towards protecting and enhancing watershed areas across regions including Mississauga where parts of Credit River flow into Lake Ontario near Port Credit area.
Bald eagles can be spotted throughout most regions across North America according to local conservation authorities; they’re frequently seen around Lake Ontario or near Credit River because they prefer water bodies for hunting purposes.
Map illustrating R. K. Mc Millan Park’s location where two bald eagles have established their nest over approximately two years now.
“Despite their name; bald eagles aren’t actually bald-they have white-feathered heads contrasting against dark-brown bodies and wings,” CVC shared previously regarding this iconic species recognized often as emblematic representation linked closely with America itself.
CVC stated some balds remain settled within similar territories all year long while others migrate seasonally-pointing out September through October marks ideal viewing period herefor migratory types throughout southern Ontario region specifically speaking about sightings documented quite closely nearby locations such as Port Credit & Hamilton/Toronto/Oakville among other spots around Greater Toronto Area lately confirmed having nests too!
CVC outlines factors contributing positively towards boosting local population dynamics concerning bighorn sheep like actions taken include: Banning DDT pesticide throughout Canada since 1985. Restoring habitats alongside improving overall water quality levels. Protecting vital green spaces including forests/wetlands. Implementing protective measures under Endangered Species Act enforced actively within province.
“From conservation efforts resulting into stable growth observed up until recently prompting removal status listed under Ontario Endangered Species Act last noted back around mid-summer months prior,” CVC reiterated again highlighting importance behind commitment toward future preservation initiatives ahead! INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies Last 30 Days: 50,039 Votes All Time: 1,460,086 Votes 3761 VOTES
The majestic bird occasionally swoops down from above to hunt for fish below. (Photo: Scott Heywood)
Always respectful towards these animals and their need for privacy, Heywood says he keeps a safe distance from their nest whenever visiting the park.
“I like to just sit and observe,” he explained while expressing hope that bald eagles are making a comeback in Mississauga due to improving environments and increased respect for natural areas.
Bald eagles are considered a “conservation success story,” according to CVC
This year local conservation officials noted that bald eagles can live up to thirty years or more and are indeed a “conservation success story” within the Credit River Watershed encompassing Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Halton Hills, Orangeville among other smaller communities.
“Once rare due to habitat loss and pollution; these powerful birds have returned as water quality improved along with rebounding fish populations-a clear indication of healthier watersheds,” said officials from Credit Valley Conservation.
CVC works towards protecting and enhancing watershed areas across regions including Mississauga where parts of Credit River flow into Lake Ontario near Port Credit area.
Bald eagles can be spotted throughout most regions across North America according to local conservation authorities; they’re frequently seen around Lake Ontario or near Credit River because they prefer water bodies for hunting purposes.
Map illustrating R. K. Mc Millan Park’s location where two bald eagles have established their nest over approximately two years now.
“Despite their name; bald eagles aren’t actually bald-they have white-feathered heads contrasting against dark-brown bodies and wings,” CVC shared previously regarding this iconic species recognized often as emblematic representation linked closely with America itself.
CVC stated some balds remain settled within similar territories all year long while others migrate seasonally-pointing out September through October marks ideal viewing period herefor migratory types throughout southern Ontario region specifically speaking about sightings documented quite closely nearby locations such as Port Credit & Hamilton/Toronto/Oakville among other spots around Greater Toronto Area lately confirmed having nests too!
CVC outlines factors contributing positively towards boosting local population dynamics concerning bighorn sheep like actions taken include: Banning DDT pesticide throughout Canada since 1985. Restoring habitats alongside improving overall water quality levels. Protecting vital green spaces including forests/wetlands. Implementing protective measures under Endangered Species Act enforced actively within province.“From conservation efforts resulting into stable growth observed up until recently prompting removal status listed under Ontario Endangered Species Act last noted back around mid-summer months prior,” CVC reiterated again highlighting importance behind commitment toward future preservation initiatives ahead! INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies Last 30 Days: 50,039 Votes All Time: 1,460,086 Votes 3761 VOTES
