An annual bald eagle count in Kings County, Nova Scotia, has revealed a significant increase in the number of raptors this year. The event, held every February, recorded a total of 605 bald eagles, more than double the count from the previous year of 265 in 2023. This year’s count far surpasses the mere 22 eagles observed in the area back in 1977.
Attributing the rise in eagle sightings to a positive environmental shift, organizer Soren Bondrup-Nielsen highlighted the impact of past DDT pesticide use on the eagles. He explained that the eagles were previously affected by DDT residues in their prey, leading to poisoning and adverse effects on their eggs. With the phase-out of DDT in Canada during the 1970s, the ban on its use has contributed to the recovery of the bald eagle population.
Bondrup-Nielsen, a naturalist, mentioned that eagle numbers in the Annapolis Valley vary annually. He noted that the unusually cold winter this year may have influenced the higher count, as eagles were observed feeding on Canada geese and ducks that had frozen on the ice.
The volunteers participating in the count cover designated driving routes, spotting and documenting every bald eagle sighted within an hour. This data is then compiled to provide an accurate tally of the eagle population. Bondrup-Nielsen emphasized that the tradition serves as a monitoring tool for assessing the ecological well-being of the region and the impacts of human activities.
Given the proximity of Acadia University, the area benefits from a high concentration of naturalists who readily volunteer for such initiatives, reflecting the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation efforts.
