Bald Eagles in Greenwich: The Great Comeback
Since the American Bald Eagle was placed on the Federal Endangered Species List in 1974, Greenwich Township has been at the heart of the effort to save this symbol of the American nation. Thanks to the efforts of government agencies, environmental organizations and a dedicated and determined team of Delaware Bayshore volunteers, New Jersey has played a major role in preserving not only the species, but the habitat that is critical to their survival.
In 1970, only one single pair of nesting eagles was documented in the State of New Jersey. By 2010, that number rose to a record high of 94 eagle pairs observed during the nesting season. According to the New Jersey Bald Eagle Project, 2010 report (NJDEP/Division of Fish and Wildlife), staff, regional coordinators and volunteers reported a total of 333 bald eagles, another record high count. While this great success story resulted in the removal of the Bald Eagle from the Federal Endangered Species List in 2007, the bald eagle's official New Jersey status remains State-Endangered and state regulatory protection remains unchanged by this federal action.
The Bayside Tract is a great place for birdwatching, as are many spots along the Township's quiet country roads. In areas where there may be an eagle nest, signs are posted instructing viewers to maintain a significant distance so that the birds will not be disturbed. We hope that you will come and thrill to the sight of bald eagles soaring and spot hundreds of other native and migrating birds who depend upon the wetlands and wooded areas of the Delaware Bay. The Township has an abundance of other wildlife, ranging from deer, fox and wild turkeys to the occasional coyote. Creeks, the Cohansey River and the Delaware Bay also make the Township a great fishing destination.
If you would like an up close and personal look at eagle pairs tending their nest and chicks, Duke Farms in Hillsborough, NJ, has a Live EagleCam on their website that allows one to watch a long-established nest in real time. With a bit of patience, you may see the "parents" changing places as they take turns sitting on the eggs, you can then see the young chicks being fed and watch as the youg birds grow rapidly and get ready to leave the nest. There is also lots of information and photos from last year's nesting. The web address for the EagleCam is: http://www.dukefarms.org/Education/Eagle-Cam/.
For more information about viewing eagles and other birds and wildlife in the Delaware Bay region,
we suggest these sources:
Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey: http://www.conservewildlifenj.org/
Cape May Bird Observatory: http://www.birdcapemay.org/index.html
New Jersey Audubon: http://www.njaudubon.org/
Citizens United to Protect the Upper Maurice River: http://www.cumauriceriver.org/pages/about.html
In 1970, only one single pair of nesting eagles was documented in the State of New Jersey. By 2010, that number rose to a record high of 94 eagle pairs observed during the nesting season. According to the New Jersey Bald Eagle Project, 2010 report (NJDEP/Division of Fish and Wildlife), staff, regional coordinators and volunteers reported a total of 333 bald eagles, another record high count. While this great success story resulted in the removal of the Bald Eagle from the Federal Endangered Species List in 2007, the bald eagle's official New Jersey status remains State-Endangered and state regulatory protection remains unchanged by this federal action.
The Bayside Tract is a great place for birdwatching, as are many spots along the Township's quiet country roads. In areas where there may be an eagle nest, signs are posted instructing viewers to maintain a significant distance so that the birds will not be disturbed. We hope that you will come and thrill to the sight of bald eagles soaring and spot hundreds of other native and migrating birds who depend upon the wetlands and wooded areas of the Delaware Bay. The Township has an abundance of other wildlife, ranging from deer, fox and wild turkeys to the occasional coyote. Creeks, the Cohansey River and the Delaware Bay also make the Township a great fishing destination.
If you would like an up close and personal look at eagle pairs tending their nest and chicks, Duke Farms in Hillsborough, NJ, has a Live EagleCam on their website that allows one to watch a long-established nest in real time. With a bit of patience, you may see the "parents" changing places as they take turns sitting on the eggs, you can then see the young chicks being fed and watch as the youg birds grow rapidly and get ready to leave the nest. There is also lots of information and photos from last year's nesting. The web address for the EagleCam is: http://www.dukefarms.org/Education/Eagle-Cam/.
For more information about viewing eagles and other birds and wildlife in the Delaware Bay region,
we suggest these sources:
Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey: http://www.conservewildlifenj.org/
Cape May Bird Observatory: http://www.birdcapemay.org/index.html
New Jersey Audubon: http://www.njaudubon.org/
Citizens United to Protect the Upper Maurice River: http://www.cumauriceriver.org/pages/about.html
An eagle-banding trip in Greenwich Township in April 2009. Two 6-week old chicks were given Federal and State bands, measured, examined, and then returned to their nest.
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If you are interested in reading more about bald eagles in Greenwich and New Jersey, click on the link at right to read the New Jersey Bald Eagle Project, 2010 report, prepared by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife.
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