Eagles resurge in Pike

MILFORD — Once threatened by crop chemicals, habitat loss, and direct persecution, the American Bald Eagle population is on the rebound and providing Delaware River residents and visitors a wonderful opportunity to see this national icon in its natural habitat. The Bald Eagle is in resurgence throughout the continent and in the local area, drawing thousands of eager people to see the majestic creature, but special care and caution is advised to continue the protection that not so long ago saved the eagle from the brink of extinction. In late June, the Bald Eagle was taken off of the Endangered and Threatened Plant and Wildlife list. “This is cause for much excitement and celebration,” said Lori McKean, founder and director of the Eagle Institute and resident of Shohola. “But the onus of protection is now on the people. It is our responsibility not only to protect the eagle but also its habitat.” In the first few weeks in July, six eaglets hatched within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Allan Ambler, park biologist, said the winter population of eagles has increased over the past two decades from when they first started to monitor the birds. Each year, a team of staff and volunteers takes part in a nationwide wintering eagle population count, and to their pleasure, the local eagle population has steadily increased to between 20-30 within the Delaware Water Gap and an additional 100-120 within the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreation River. Wintering populations are largely weather dependent but have stayed steady over the past few years. There has been an increase in nesting populations which are present year-round. Although everything seems promising, Ambler said, eagles are still wary birds and any disturbances, regardless of the eagles’ listed status, can have negative impacts on feeding and breeding. This was one of the reasons why the park had taken the initiative in June to protect the nests of the eagles while the young hatched. Though habitat loss may not be an issue within the park itself, Ambler said there was at least one incident last year when an eagle was found dead from a fatal gun shot wound. “We try our best to protect them and let nature take its course,” Ambler said. Protection is important, and primarily for McKean and her organization, education is at its foundation. Through its Web site and its 36 volunteers who staff observation points during the first few months of the year on the weekends, the Eagle Institute aims to teach thousands of visitors all about the Bald Eagle and what she calls “Eagle Etiquette.” “Seeing an eagle in the wild is awesome,” McKean said as to why so many people are attracted to eagle watching. In addition, the sites’ close proximity to urban areas plays a large role. The attacks of September 11 have also increased the appeal of the Bald Eagle, McKean said. “There was a surge in patriotism and people wanted to get closer to it … what more patriotic symbol is there than the Bald Eagle?” She recalls people having tears in their eyes upon seeing the Bald Eagle with its larger than six-foot wing span for the first time. As both the eagle population and popularity grows, McKean said the need to educate the public is greater than ever. For information regarding volunteering or eagle-watching visit www.eagleinstitute.org.