An annual bald eagle count in Kings County, Nova Scotia, has reported a remarkable surge in the number of these majestic birds this year. During the annual event held in February, a total of 605 bald eagles were sighted, surpassing the count of 265 birds observed in 2023 and significantly exceeding the mere 22 eagles spotted in the region back in 1977.
Organizer Soren Bondrup-Nielsen attributed this increase in sightings to a positive environmental turnaround. He mentioned that the previous use of DDT pesticides led to eagle fatalities due to DDT-contaminated carcasses they consumed, impacting egg viability. With the phased-out use of DDT in Canada since the 1970s, the ban on its usage has resulted in a ban on the toxic substance.
Bondrup-Nielsen, a naturalist, emphasized the fluctuation in eagle numbers in the Annapolis Valley from year to year. He suggested that the unusually cold winter this year might have contributed to the heightened count, as eagles were observed feeding on Canada geese and ducks that froze on the ice.
The method employed for the eagle count involves volunteers driving along predetermined routes, spotting and recording every bald eagle seen within an hour. The results are then tallied collectively. Bondrup-Nielsen underscored the importance of this tradition in monitoring the ecological well-being of the area and evaluating the impact of human activities.
Due to the presence of Acadia University in proximity and a high concentration of naturalists in the region, there is a consistent pool of volunteers eager to participate in the count, reflecting the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship.