Eagles, Eagles, Everywhere!

During the months of January and February, I frequently drive over to the Merrimack River looking for open water and bald eagles. They are easier to spot during this time of year because instead of having to search an entire river, you can focus your attention on areas of open water where they tend to settle and feed. There are several good winter viewing spots in New Hampshire, including the southern portion of the Merrimack River.

Can you spot the eagles?

On Saturday I was fortunate to see an adult eagle perched in a tree near the Merrimack Station Power Plant. There is usually open water at this location and I have seen eagles here on numerous occasions. I returned to this spot on Sunday around noon and knew that I was in luck again when another person was standing alongside the road taking photos. When I approached, he pointed out four juvenile eagles circling over the river. He said that he had been watching them for awhile. I typically only see one, maybe two eagles at a time, so was thrilled by this experience. After a short time, the birds flew out of sight. The photographer told me that he had previously spotted eagles on the ice near the boat ramp just a short distance down River Road. We both ended up driving there hoping to see where the birds had flown. I could not believe my eyes when I got out of the car. What looks like seed pods on a bush in the picture above, were actually five eagles sunning themselves in the top of a tree. One kept spreading its wings, seemingly enjoying the warmth of the mid-thirties degree temperature.

One adult and four immature bald eagles enjoying a mild February day.

As if this sighting wasn't exciting enough, up in the sky were several more eagles. At one point, I spotted an additional eight eagles with my binoculars, bringing the total to thirteen! I wished I still had my 35 mm camera with its zoom lens, since my convenient pocket size Canon PowerShot SX130 couldn't quite capture the birds flying above. If you look closely, though, in the picture below, you can see a few of the eagles flying above those in the tree. 

 

In 2007 the bald eagle was removed from the Federal list of endangered and threatened species. The record number of birds sighted in New Hampshire during the Audubon Society's 2015 Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Survey is evidence of our national symbol's successful recovery. A total of ninety birds were recorded over a two week period in January. This is amazing, considering that just a decade earlier, the number of eagles sighted was less than 40. Maybe 2015 will also bring more eagles successfully breeding in New Hampshire. In 2013 the first successful hatch of a chick along the Merrimack River in New Hampshire was documented. If you are interested in learning more about bald eagles in New Hampshire, including reports on 2015 nesting activity, visit NHAudubon.org.