01-14-2008, 05:10 PM
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department's annual mid-winter bald eagle survey conducted Jan. 11 along a portion of the Missouri River resulted in the highest number of eagles counted in the 22-year history of the survey.
Altogether, 85 bald eagles - 68 adults and 17 immature - and two golden eagles were counted along the survey route which extends from Bismarck to the Garrison Dam, said Patrick T. Isakson, nongame biologist. The previous high of 75 was established in 2006.<br />
"The number of bald eagles wintering in the state depends on the amount of open water and availability of prey," Isakson said. "This year's record number can be attributed to a high percentage of open water and a large amount of waterfowl using the Missouri River this winter."<br />
Eagles are relatively easy to spot as they prefer to perch in large cottonwood trees along the river. Adult bald eagles have a white head and tail and a dark brown body, while immature bald eagles are brown with irregular white plumage. Adults gain their full plumage at three years of age. Golden eagles have a gold cap on their head.<br />
"Most were counted in the Washburn area and along the Garrison Dam Tailrace, where a majority of the ducks and geese were found," Isakson said.<br />
Each winter biologists nationwide conduct similar surveys to estimate the number of bald eagles wintering in the lower 48 states. Each state completes the survey as close to the target date as possible to make certain that birds are not counted twice.
Altogether, 85 bald eagles - 68 adults and 17 immature - and two golden eagles were counted along the survey route which extends from Bismarck to the Garrison Dam, said Patrick T. Isakson, nongame biologist. The previous high of 75 was established in 2006.<br />
"The number of bald eagles wintering in the state depends on the amount of open water and availability of prey," Isakson said. "This year's record number can be attributed to a high percentage of open water and a large amount of waterfowl using the Missouri River this winter."<br />
Eagles are relatively easy to spot as they prefer to perch in large cottonwood trees along the river. Adult bald eagles have a white head and tail and a dark brown body, while immature bald eagles are brown with irregular white plumage. Adults gain their full plumage at three years of age. Golden eagles have a gold cap on their head.<br />
"Most were counted in the Washburn area and along the Garrison Dam Tailrace, where a majority of the ducks and geese were found," Isakson said.<br />
Each winter biologists nationwide conduct similar surveys to estimate the number of bald eagles wintering in the lower 48 states. Each state completes the survey as close to the target date as possible to make certain that birds are not counted twice.