With an annual mid-winter survey near completion, preliminary results indicate that the bald eagle population in New York State may be at an all-time high since the state began its repopulation efforts more than 30 years ago, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today.

New York has conducted annual surveys since 1979 and the highest official winter count occurred in 2008 with 573 bald eagles spotted. DEC’s preliminary results for 2010 indicate that sightings may exceed this number as regions of the state continue to provide favorable wintering habitat for both New York resident eagles and for Canadian visitors. As of Jan. 31, 459 eagles had been sighted, a pace well ahead of the 2008 record. New York’s survey efforts are part of a national initiative that monitors the locations and numbers of bald eagles wintering in the lower 48 states.

The number of wintering and breeding eagles in New York reached its nadir in 1975 when the state could document only one, unproductive pair of eagles due to the ravages of habitat loss, indiscriminant killing and DDT contamination. That year, DEC launched its effort to restore bald eagles to New York. The aggressive program led by DEC biologist Peter Nye included years of collecting bald eagles from Alaska and transporting and releasing the young birds to carefully selected habitats around the state. Nye and other DEC staff continue to monitor New York’s growing population and their work has since been emulated by many other states. The state’s Endangered Species Act has also played an essential role in the recovery of bald eagles, as well as other vulnerable species by enabling DEC to protect critical breeding, foraging and migratory habitat.

“The resurgence of the bald eagle has been one of New York’s most amazing environmental success stories,” Commissioner Grannis said. “This has been due to the tremendous commitment of many DEC staff over the past three decades and the ongoing cooperation of individuals and communities that recognize the importance of protecting essential habitat bald eagles need to thrive.”

More information about bald eagles in New York State can be found at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7068.html -- Jay Cassell.