Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

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.”

For information, visit bit.ly/3Px7M1O.

About the Author

Carolyn Cunningham
More Stories

Keep Reading

Vehicles drive through a flooded section of Techwood Drive in downtown Atlanta on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. A cold front is pushing the storms across the state. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Hendren

Storms rumble across metro Atlanta as holiday travelers hit roads, skies

Strong storms will march across metro Atlanta on Tuesday, during what experts predict will be one of the holiday week’s busiest road travel days.

6m ago

‘Worst nightmares come true.’ Atlanta confronts shift in homelessness funding

Trump’s overhaul threatens permanent housing for an estimated 600 Atlanta households and 170,000 people nationwide, advocates warn.

Jurors mostly acquit Atlanta businessman in yearslong fraud case

Jurors mostly acquitted an Atlanta businessman and his dietary supplement company in a yearslong federal fraud, money laundering and drug misbranding case.

The Latest

Vehicles drive through a flooded section of Techwood Drive in downtown Atlanta on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Hendren

Storms rumble across metro Atlanta as holiday travelers hit roads, skies

6m ago

Civil rights activist, convicted in killing of Fulton deputy, dies in federal prison

Jurors mostly acquit Atlanta businessman in yearslong fraud case

Featured

Cooling towers for Units 4 and 3 are seen at Plant Vogtle, operated by Georgia Power Co., in east Georgia's Burke County near Waynesboro, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

Analysts warn Georgia Power bills will rise if PSC approves data center buildout

Analysts are warning Georgia Power's residential customers could see monthly bills jump $20 or more if state regulators approve the company's planned data center expansion.

GHSA suspends 39 Gainesville football players for brawl that ended playoff game

The Gainesville-Brunswick game was discontinued with 1:57 left in the third quarter when the fight began. Gainesville was leading 42-0.

Here’s when metro Atlanta interstates will be busiest this holiday week

Experts say more than 2 million Peach State residents will travel by car for Thanksgiving.