Yes, there are bald eagles in New Hampshire. The population of bald eagles in New Hampshire has been steadily increasing over the past few decades, with 109 territorial pairs confirmed in 2023, up 18% compared to 2022.
The Growing Bald Eagle Population in New Hampshire
In 2023, 76 pairs were documented incubating, up more than 5% from 2022, and 61 successful nests were counted, with 93 young fledged, up nearly 11% over the 84 fledglings produced in 2022. The population growth curves for the past 36 years have yet to level off, suggesting that there is still available habitat out there to support additional breeding pairs.
Key Locations for Bald Eagles in New Hampshire
Image source: Pexels by Frank Cone
Major rivers and larger lakes in New Hampshire, such as Winnipesaukee, Umbagog, Great Bay/Little Bay, Lake Wantastiquet, Lake Francis, Moore Reservoir, Newfound, and Winnisquam, now support two or more breeding pairs. The Merrimack Valley zone, designated as the focal zone for 2023, had 28 territorial pairs that produced 25 juvenile eagles.
Challenges Faced by Bald Eagles in New Hampshire
Bald eagles in New Hampshire face various challenges, including:
- Vehicle collisions
- Rodenticide poisoning
- Fractures from falls from the nest
However, with the help of wildlife rehabilitators and veterinarians, many of these birds are able to recover and return to the wild.
The Role of Wildlife Rehabilitators and Veterinarians
Wildlife rehabilitators and veterinarians play a crucial role in the recovery and release of injured bald eagles in New Hampshire. They provide medical treatment and care for these birds, helping them to recover from various injuries and ailments.
The Future of Bald Eagles in New Hampshire
The population of bald eagles in New Hampshire has been steadily increasing, and the growth curves suggest that there is still available habitat to support additional breeding pairs. However, these birds continue to face various challenges, and the support of wildlife rehabilitators and veterinarians remains essential for their recovery and release back into the wild.
References:
– Bald Eagle Breeding Season Results in New Hampshire (2020)
– 2023 Bald Eagle Breeding Season Results in New Hampshire
– Bald Eagle Population on the Connecticut River in New Hampshire
– Bald Eagle Catches Prey on the Side of Mountain Road in New Hampshire
– Bald Eagles on the Merrimack River in New Hampshire
