Bald Eagle Population Soaring after Pa. Recovery Program Success

Bald eagle populations in Pennsylvania are soaring, with more than 250 active nests identified, according to the state's wildlife commission, which recently celebrated its 30th year of bald eagle conservation efforts.

Bald eagles are present in 56 of the state's 67 counties, roosting in a total of 252 nests, an increase from last year's numbers, which saw 206 confirmed eagle nests in 51 counties.

"We're to the point in Pennsylvania where the bald eagle's success is something that's expected," said Carl Roe, executive director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. "Year after year, their numbers grow. Year after year, their range grows broader."

Three decades ago, the bald eagle's future in Pennsylvania seemed grim. Water pollution and pesticides has wrecked the population and only three pairs of the majestic birds were nesting in the state. The bald eagle restoration program, which started in 1983, introduced bald eagles from Canada to Pennsylvania, placing nests throughout the state, including at least one along the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg.

Now at least 40 of the nests are along the river, the Associated Press reports, citing Michael Helfrich, Lower Susquehanna riverkeeper and a York city councilman. "Ever since the bald eagles started coming back, the population has been steadily growing here," he said.

With more and more eagles in the state, the wildlife commission suggests people take the time to go bird-watching, but that they be respectful of the birds and their nests.

"Where there is regular public access and established viewing areas, some pairs can be very tolerant if visitors are predictable and nonthreatening," said Patti Barber, a biologist with the Game Commission's Endangered and Nongame Birds section. "But when someone sneaks to the base of a nest tree, most eagles become alarmed."

Bald eagle populations are reportedly doing so well that not all of the birds may have been accounted for.

"It's hard to say, but in all likelihood more remain to be counted," Barber said. "Our tally was 249 just a week or two ago, and three more were reported since that time, so I'd be surprised if the preliminary number doesn't grow."