Bald eagle count shows 34% hike over 2014

A bald eagle spotted during January's New Hampshire count. (Courtesy photo/Dirk van der Merwe)

CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire Audubon recently completed its annual midwinter bald eagle survey with a new state record high of 90 bald eagles counted in one day.

This is a 34 percent increase over last year, when observers counted 67 birds. Overall, a record 102 volunteer observers participated in the event, which was coordinated in partnership with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program and the U.S. Geological Survey. This trend is promising for conservationists who have been tracking eagle populations since 1981.

"The 2015 count results are truly remarkable," said Chris Martin, senior biologist at NH Audubon. "Thanks to the efforts of more than 100 volunteers this year and hundreds more over the past 35 years, we're seeing results from our efforts to protect this threatened species in New Hampshire. To say we are excited would be an understatement."

Weather conditions for the count, which was held on Jan. 10 statewide and January 8 in the Lakes Region, were extremely positive, with two weeks of very cold weather , which likely caused bald eagles to flock to the southern areas of the state, where more volunteer observers were located.

The top regional honors for most eagles seen on Count Day 2015 goes to the Merrimack River watershed, where 29 eagles were tallied. The Great Bay coastal region followed closely behind with 26 birds counted, and the Lakes Region was third with 15 eagles counted. Of the birds counted, 48 were adults, 41 were "immatures" (roughly four years old or younger and lacking the pure white feathers on their heads and tails typical of adult bald eagles), and one was of undetermined age.

The official Count Day occurs within a more inclusive two-week count period, which spanned Jan. 1-15 during which 110 bald eagles were counted. NH Audubon also records the number of eagles seen during this15-day interval. Overall long-term trends show that the number of eagles counted during the one-day midwinter survey in New Hampshire continues to double roughly every 10 years; 55 eagles in 2005; 25 in 1994; and only 12 in 1984.

In addition to this winter count, NH Audubon recruits, trains and deploys volunteer observers to track the state's eagle population during the birds' summer breeding season in partnership with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Volunteers search for nests and count young eagles; biologists manage nesting areas by posting signs and installing anti-predator guards, and also band young eagles and collect other biological information.

To learn more about NH Audubon's Bald Eagle Monitoring and Management program or to support the bald eagle's continued recovery, please visit www.nhaudubon.org.