Photo:USFWS
Photo:USFWS
Bald eagles were once plentiful in New Jersey. But by 1982, there was only one known nest and that nest had failed for 8 successive years. A group of scientists in the Endangered and NonGame Species Program (ENSP) of the New Jersey Fish, Game and Wildlife department decided to do something about it. Through dedication, the ENSP re-introduced bald eagles into New Jersey.
In 2003 there were 40 nests with 41 young. Since 1982, the state has monitored the bald eagle population. The data that they have collected has provided important information about the health of the eagles and the health of the environment. Also, the data has been used to protect critical habitat for bald eagles.
A crucial factor in the eagle monitoring program in New Jersey is the use of citizens volunteers. Each nest has a monitor or set of monitors. The monitor is responsible for observations at the nest site and reports to the scientists who work on the program. Five years ago, I volunteered and became a monitor.
Eagles are large, powerful birds, with a wing-span of 6 to 7 feet and weight of 8 to 14 pounds. During flight, they often soar with their wings held straight out - this is a useful characteristic for identifying eagles from a distance.
Eagles do not reach maturity until they are 4 or 5 years old. At that age they have developed the completely white head and white tail that we associate with bald eagles and are ready to mate. Until then, immature eagles are dark brown with white scattered throughout their plumage. Eagles' lives change substantially when they go from being the wandering immature eagle to part of a mated pair.
Bald eagles have been on the national endangered species list since 1966. Because their numbers have increased nationally, there is currently an initiative in progress to have them removed from the list. Although bald eagle recovery has made significant progress in New Jersey, there is currently no plan to remove it from the New Jersey endangered and threatened wildlife list. In spite of the successes, the bald eagle population in New Jersey is still under many pressures:
Although bald eagle management is under the auspices of New Jersey Fish and Wildlife management,
no state tax money is allocated for the project. All funds come from either the sale of the wildlife
conservation license plate or public donations. 
The wildlife plates can be purchased during the registration cycle; see
New Jersey Motor
Vehicle Commission or call 609-292-6500 for an application through the mail.
Donations can be made on the State Income Tax From by choosing to
donate a portion of your return to the NJ Endangered Wildlife Fund. Other donations can be made at anytime to the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey .
Bald eagle advocates should proudly drive a car with the Bald Eagle license plate as well as donate generously to the Conserve Wildlife Fund, which is involved in a number of wildlife conservation projects in the state.
There are many other ways that concerned citizens can help protect the quality of New Jersey's
environment and wildlife, including bald eagles.
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