2012 Mid-Winter Eagle Survey
Blackwater NWR's annual Mid-Winter Eagle Survey took place on January 4,
2012. Thirty-six staff and volunteer observers counted eagles at
different locations around the Refuge.
The 2012 count was less than 2011. Totals for 2011's non-roost and roost counts were 189 and 178, respectively. Weather for the day was partly cloudy, with temperatures around 27 degrees. The majority of open water on the refuge was frozen over during the survey. Most likely the lower numbers are a result of the mild winter in the northeastern U.S. Many of the northern migratory species haven't had to come this far south because of milder temperatures.
NON-ROOST COUNT (AM)
BALD EAGLES
GOLDEN EAGLES
UNKNOWN: 39
TOTAL: 168
Top spot was Rte. 335 Bridge again, tied with Tower site, both with 25 eagles
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ROOST COUNT (PM)
BALD EAGLES
GOLDEN EAGLES
UNKNOWN: 17
TOTAL: 154
Top spot was Kuehnle South, with 51 eagles
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