Surveying for Eagles in New Jersey

Results of the Midwinter Bald Eagle Count

by Larissa Smith, Biologist/Volunteer manager

Bald Eagle pair © George Cevera

In January 43 states participated in the Midwinter Bald Eagle Count including New Jersey which has participated since 1979. This year in NJ ~70 volunteers surveyed for eagles the weekend of January 14th & 15th.   The purpose of the survey is to monitor bald eagle populations. Since the survey takes place at the start of the NJ eagle nesting season possible new pairs and nests are often found.  New Jersey volunteers also map eagle activity and these data are used to delineate critical eagle wintering habitat.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS
  • 273 eagles in Southern NJ
  •   44 eagles in Northern NJ
  • 317 eagles total

This is a great time of year to get out and see some eagles.  Not only are the resident nesting eagle pairs around but also wintering eagles.

For more details on the National Midwinter Bald Eagle count go to: http://ocid.nacse.org/nbii/eagles/history.php

Thank you to all the volunteers who surveyed!