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America’s bird sets nest record in Georgia

Except for bird flu reducing nest success rates by 30% along the Georgia coast this year, bald eagles are increasing in number across the state at 227 young this year compared to the previous best of 218 in 2017. (Courtesy of Georgia Department of Natural Resources)

Credit: Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Credit: Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Except for bird flu reducing nest success rates by 30% along the Georgia coast this year, bald eagles are increasing in number across the state at 227 young this year compared to the previous best of 218 in 2017. (Courtesy of Georgia Department of Natural Resources)
By Carolyn Cunningham – For the AJC
Aug 10, 2022

Georgia’s first statewide survey of bald eagle nests in five years reveals that the national bird is nesting here in record numbers.

Survey flights counted 229 nest territories, topping the previous best of 218 in 2017.

Bald eagle nests this year fledged 227 young, according to Dr. Bob Sargent, who leads the DNR monitoring.

However, bald eagles along the Georgia coast were afflicted by bird flu, cutting nest success rates by about 30%.

Encouragingly, Sargent said, “It’s important to remember that the bald eagle population has exhibited a remarkable rebound in the last 50 years.”

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Carolyn Cunningham
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