ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - A total of 157 bald eagles was counted on Aberdeen Proving Ground during the annual mid-winter survey Jan. 8
An additional 39 bald eagles were counted along the Susquehanna River. The total, 196, was slightly above the average count for the last five annual surveys.
Garrison eagle compliance manager Lynda Hartzell said the slightly above average number reflects the increasing population of eagles at APG, including a record high number of 85 chicks produced last year.
"It's not surprising that eagles are attracted to APG because there's such a large food source from the bay and rivers," she said.
This year, Directorate of Public Works environmental personnel were joined by security personnel from the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security; Aberdeen Test Center and a film crew from CBS/WJZ-TV News. The Maryland Army National Guard provided a Blackhawk helicopter, pilots and crew.
The survey is conducted in accordance with the APG Bald Eagle Management Plan and as a cooperative effort with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). The data collected helps to identify long-term population trends and distribution of eagles at APG.
Hartzell said eagle counts are conducted by volunteers nationwide during a two-week window. Planning is critical for a successful count.
"Because of restrictions, we need to ensure the test ranges are closed and that we have decent weather she said. We count the eagles we see and submit the results to MDNR."
"The weather this year is very mild and some eagles up north may not have come south." added environmental protection specialist Jessica Baylor.
"The population is not decreasing; if anything, it's increasing," Hartzell said. "This [count] is just a snapshot. It's useful because we do it the same time every year, but it's just one tool to eagle
management."
She said media guests seemed to enjoy the flight.
"It's a rare and unique experience. You get to see how large APG is with its marshes and rivers
and the Bay. I think they were very impressed."
The survey route includes the shoreline and tributaries of APG and the Susquehanna River north to the Exelon Peach Bottom power plant. APG provides the data to MDNR which compiles all data within the state to estimate the region-wide bald eagle population.
The annual survey is critical to implementing the garrison's bald eagle management and compliance program. APG also conducts several aerial surveys each year to track activity at each nest. The aerial observations are necessary to identify new nests and count the number of eggs and chicks per nest.
The garrison conducted the first nest survey for the 2012 eagle nesting season Jan. 29. Four new eagle nests were identified, in addition to the 81 nests already being tracked.
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