North Sterling State Park, which sits on the high plains, is home to a large reservoir and, at times, hunters hoping to bag some waterfowl. But bird watchers are sure to show up to check out the latest group of hunters in the park: bald eagles, the symbolic national bird. An estimated 20 adult and young bald eagles are enjoying the mild winter conditions and making a feast of the fish and waterfowl, according to The Fort Morgan Times.

Colorado Division of Wildlife staff takes the new residents’ appearance as a positive sign that fisheries in the area have recovered following repopulation efforts. In recent weeks, eagles have appeared at the park at dawn—and even in the late morning—perched in roosts inside remote and tall cottonwood trees. Once recognized as an endangered species because of pesticides and hunting, bald eagle populations have recovered steadily in recent years.