Yes, there are bald eagles in New Jersey. The bald eagle population in New Jersey has been growing since the 1980s, with the number of active nests reaching 250 in 2022. This is a significant increase from the one surviving bald eagle nest in the state during the 1970s and 1980s.
The Growth of Bald Eagles in New Jersey
The growth in the bald eagle population is attributed to conservation efforts such as:
- Protecting sensitive eagle nesting and wintering areas
- Engaging and educating the public
- Tracking eagles’ movements
The New Jersey Bald Eagle Project, a cooperative effort between the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the nonprofit Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, monitors known and potential nesting sites to collect data on the state’s national bird. In 2022, 250 pairs were active and 335 young were produced.
Threats to Bald Eagles in New Jersey
Image source: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in Kachemak Bay, Alaska
Bald eagles in New Jersey face threats such as:
- Disruptive human activity in nesting and foraging areas
- Habitat loss
To address these threats, DEP Endangered and Nongame Species Program biologists work throughout the year to:
- Provide guidance to landowners on how to protect eagle habitat
- Identify land for acquisition and management
- Apply the state’s land use regulations
- Educate the public
Tracking Bald Eagles in New Jersey
In addition to the New Jersey Bald Eagle Project, the New Jersey EagleTrax project was launched to learn about the non-breeding, sub-adult period of a bald eagle’s life cycle and use the data collected to help protect communal roost sites. This project involves attaching a solar-charged, battery-powered satellite GPS transmitter to juvenile eagles to track their movements and behavior.
The Future of Bald Eagles in New Jersey
The bald eagle population in New Jersey has made a remarkable recovery since the 1980s, with conservation efforts playing a crucial role in their growth. However, threats such as human activity and habitat loss continue to pose challenges to their survival. Monitoring and conservation efforts are ongoing to ensure the continued growth and protection of the bald eagle population in New Jersey.
References:
– https://www.njconservation.org/hopes-soar-as-njs-bald-eagle-population-grows/
– https://www.nj.gov/dep/newsrel/2023/23_0004.htm
– https://www.conservewildlifenj.org/protecting/eagle-trax/
– https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-jersey/2023/01/20/nj-bald-eagle-population-keeps-growing-heres-why/69827026007/
– https://www.njfamily.com/where-to-see-bald-eagles-in-new-jersey/
