An annual count of bald eagles in Kings County, N.S., has revealed a significant increase in the number of these majestic birds this year. The count, conducted every February, identified a total of 605 bald eagles, more than double the count of 265 in 2023 and significantly higher than the mere 22 eagles observed in the area back in 1977.
According to organizer Soren Bondrup-Nielsen, this surge in sightings reflects a positive environmental turnaround. He explained that the previous use of DDT pesticides led to eagle fatalities due to DDT-contaminated prey, impacting their egg production. Following the phasing out of DDT in Canada in the 1970s, the bald eagle population has been steadily increasing, marking a successful recovery.
Bondrup-Nielsen, a naturalist, noted that eagle numbers in the Annapolis Valley vary annually and attributed this year’s high count partly to the severe winter conditions. The eagles took advantage of frozen Canada geese and ducks in the valley, providing ample food for scavenging.
The annual tally involves volunteers covering designated driving routes to spot and record bald eagles for an hour, aiming to minimize duplicate sightings. Bondrup-Nielsen emphasized the importance of this tradition in monitoring the ecological well-being of the region and understanding the impact of human activities on the environment.
With the strong presence of naturalists in the area, including those from Acadia University, volunteers readily participate in the count, reflecting the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
This year’s record-breaking eagle count underscores the positive trend in bald eagle population recovery since the ban on DDT pesticides in the 1970s.