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Bald Eagles across the continental U.S. were decimated by DDT, an environmental contaminant that impacted egg hatchability beginning in the 1940s. By the 1960’s, these raptors were greatly diminished and rarely seen, and only around 400 pairs were known to breed in the entire Lower 48 states. Bald Eagles were among the first animals placed on federal and state Endangered Species lists in the 1970’s. Even after being taken off the NH Endangered and Threatened List in March 2017, threats to the health of the eagle population remain, and continued monitoring and management helps to ensure the population’s ongoing recovery in the Granite State.
Starting in January, and running monthly through May, you are invited to learn about these iconic raptors and follow real-time Bald Eagle development via public YouTube channels that broadcast various nest sites across the country. Learn about the history of the Bald Eagle’s endangerment and the challenges that they face, their life-cycle, and what you can do to aid in the species’ continued recovery. For questions, call Susan Harmon at 603-624-6550 x7620 or email sharmon@manchesternh.gov.
Developmental Stages
As April’s lengthening days offer extended time to hunt and feed, the rapid development of eaglets becomes more easily observable. This webinar discusses the successional stages of development expected to occur in the 11-12 weeks between hatching and fledging and the demands placed on the parent eagles by their increasingly ravenous offspring. Hunting techniques, food webs, and challenges faced by both parents and offspring will be covered.