Bald eagles on comeback trail

Photo courtesy Pa. Game Commission

Thousands of people who enjoy the nesting bald eagles at Sinnemahoning State Park are witnessing part of a wildlife comeback story.

As recently as 1983, there were only three eagle nests known to exist in Pennsylvania. Currently, there are nests in at least 40 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties. Some 143 eaglets were fledging from in-state nests in 2006. There are 22 new nesting territories, including first-timers in Elk and Jefferson counties.

In 1982, the Pa. Game Commission began a bald eagle reintroduction program. Some 88 Canadian bald eagles were released. The effort dovetailed with improvements in water quality, increasing freshwater fish populations.

Despite gains in eagle nests, Doug Gross, Game Commission ornithologist, said nasty winter and early spring storms can play havoc with several eagle nests. Young, less experienced eagles are more inclined to leave their nests. Eagles being flushed by intruders also can influence nest failure.

In 2006, Pennsylvania eagles sustained an 80 percent nest success. This year's rate is being forecasted at 70 percent.

The Game Commission said the return of the bald eagle has been aided by a ban of DDT and other organochlorine pesticides. DDT, banned nation- ally in 1972, rendered the shells of birds' eggs so brittle that they broke when sat upon.