The Impacts of Lead on Eagles
BREAKING NEWS: Just published early in 2022 – Two new scientific papers that raise concerns about the impact of lead (Pb) on eagles. (by Chris Martin) Both of these ecotoxicological
March 21, 2022
NH Audubon has been a leader in monitoring and management of New Hampshire’s Bald Eagle population since the 1980s. NH Audubon coordinated our state’s Midwinter Eagle Survey for 40 years from 1980 through 2020. When these one-day winter counts began, our volunteers typically found less than 5 individual eagles statewide. But during our final survey in 2020, we tallied over 100 eagles seen on the count for the first time! Over the years, we have also worked with land conservation groups to protect sensitive areas that eagles use as winter night roosts.
When Bald Eagles began to nest again in the Granite State in 1989 after a 40-yr hiatus, NH Audubon initiated management steps that increased the likelihood of breeding success. Our Conservation staff works with NH Fish & Game to advise private landowners on how best to manage eagle breeding sites on their property, installs metal predator guards on nest trees, and promotes reduced-disturbance buffer zones. We also work with wildlife rehabilitators and veterinary clinics to rehabilitate and release injured eagles back into the wild.
Currently, there are over 80 territorial pairs of Bald Eagles in New Hampshire, and those numbers continue to rise. The Bald Eagle was removed from the federal Threatened and Endangered Species List in 2007, and from the New Hampshire T&E List in 2017. Volunteers can learn more about becoming involved in our ongoing monitoring and management efforts by contacting raptor specialist Chris Martin in the Conservation Department.
Project Leader: Chris Martin
Bald Eagle 2021 Breeding Season Report (pdf)
Mid-winter Bald Eagle Survey Discontinued (New Hampshire Bird Records, Winter 2020-21)
NH Bald Eagle release and population recovery (NH Chronicle)
BREAKING NEWS: Just published early in 2022 – Two new scientific papers that raise concerns about the impact of lead (Pb) on eagles. (by Chris Martin) Both of these ecotoxicological
(by Chris Martin) The first shows what appears to be a 4 week old Red-tailed Hawk chick in the nest with an eight week old Bald Eagle chick (pictured above).
Photo (circle): Breeding pair in Manchester NH, by Grace Preston.
Explore 39 wildlife sanctuaries throughout all 10 counties of New Hampshire.
Committed to the conservation of ecologically important lands.
We regularly observe and count 14 species at NH Audubon’s Raptor Observatories.
The New Hampshire Audubon offers multiple opportunities for those interested in joining us as a member or donating for one of our various causes.
Founded in 1914, NH Audubon’s mission is to protect New Hampshire’s natural environment for wildlife and for people. It is an independent statewide membership organization with four nature centers throughout the state. Expert educators give programs to children, families, and adults at centers and in schools. Staff biologists and volunteers conduct bird conservation efforts such as the Peregrine Falcon restoration. NH Audubon protects thousands of acres of wildlife habitat and is a voice for sound public policy on environmental issues. For information on NH Audubon, including membership, volunteering, programs, sanctuaries, and publications, call 224-9909, or visit www.nhaudubon.org.
