A record number of nesting pairs of bald eagles were found during this year's Maryland bald eagle nesting survey, Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary John R. Griffin has announced. The 260 nesting pairs exceeded the previous record of 232 nesting pairs set last year. At least 368 young eagles were raised this year, which is also the highest on record. These numbers are determined by aerial surveys conducted by DNR endangered species biologists.

"The continued recovery of this once endangered species would not be possible without our land preservation, critical areas protection and Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts," Secretary Griffin said.

Bald eagles nested in 19 Maryland counties in 1999, including the first nest in Frederick County since the species was listed as endangered in 1967. Dorchester County continues to harbor the most nesting pairs with 58. Charles County was second with 37 pairs.

The Eastern Shore supported 159 nesting pairs, while 101 pairs were found west of the Chesapeake Bay. Most nesting sites are associated with tidal waters of the Bay and its major tributaries, including the Chester, Choptank, Patuxent, Potomac, Sassafras and Susquehanna rivers. A few pairs nested on large reservoirs and on the upper Potomac River.

There were only 41 nesting pairs of bald eagles in Maryland in 1977, the first year DNR conducted a comprehensive survey of nesting eagles. "Twenty-two years later, the bald eagle nesting population is six times greater," explained Glenn Therres, DNR's eagle biologist. "This dramatic increase over time shows that endangered species can recover if appropriate conservation actions are implemented to address the problems that caused the species decline."

The major cause of population declines in bald eagles was contamination by organchlorine pesticides, particularly DDT. Loss of habitat, reduced prey populations, and disturbance at nest sites also contributed to the decline. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of DDT in this country in 1972.

Maryland Bald Eagle Nesting By County